Expressions of Quantity

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Some expressions of quantity can be confusing with subject-verb agreement. Study this table to help you.

Look at the Noun that Follows

Always Singular

Always Plural

1. Some of

2. Most of

3. Half of (or other fractions: 2/3, 1/4, etc.)

4. A lot of

5. None of*

6. One of

7. Each of

8. Every (one of)

9. The number of

10. A number of

*Note: None of is an expression that is changing. Traditionallly "none" was always singular; however, today plural verbs are used if the noun following "none of" is plural. For example: None of the patients in the hospital are getting better.

Example sentences:

  1. Some of the book is interesting. Some of the books are interesting.
  2. Most of the banana is rotten. Most of the bananas are rotten.
  3. Half of the money is mine. Half of the people in this room are from Mexico.
  4. A lot of the homework is easy. A lot of the tests are difficult.
  5. None of the work was finished. None of the computers were working.
  6. One of my children was sick.
  7. Each of my neighbors is coming to my birthday party.
  8. Every person thinks his/her own language is easiest.
  9. The number of injuries from the war is shocking.
  10. A number of accidents always occur as a result of rain and wet roads.

Try this Sorting Activity to review.

 

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alternative accessible content Click the red card to view it. Then, decide whether the expression of quantity takes a SINGULAR or PLURAL verb, or whether the verb depends on the NOUN that follows. Drag the card to the correct category.
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Now try this Quiz Group to test yourself.

 


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