Welcome to Rule Number Three of English Grammar, where we explore another important point in subject-verb agreement. This rule teaches you that when words are joined to a singular subject by expressions like with, as well as, etc, they are considered parenthetical. This means the verb agrees only with the main subject, not with the phrase that follows.
In this lesson, you will learn step by step to understand the rule with examples and explanations. Just like Rule Number One and Rule Number Two, today’s rule is also essential for competitive exams, English teachers, language lovers, and students who want to strengthen their grammar foundation.
We are on a journey to cover 100+ Rules of English Grammar. Rule Number Three is very important for anyone who aims to improve accuracy in writing and speaking. If you are a knowledge seeker, exam aspirant, or passionate about mastering English grammar, this series will guide you towards success.
Rule Number Three
3. Words joined to a singular subject by with, as well as, etc., are parenthetical. The verb should therefore be put in the singular.
This means: If you have a singular subject, and then add extra information with phrases like with, as well as, along with, together with, etc., the verb still agrees with the main subject (singular), not with the additional phrase.
Explanation of Rule Number Three of English Grammar with Examples
Example 1:
The house, with its contents, was insured.
- Here the main subject is The house (singular).
- The phrase with its contents is extra information, not the real subject.
- Therefore, the correct verb is was (singular), not were.
Example 2:
The Mayor, with his councillors, is to be present.
- The main subject is The Mayor (singular).
- With his councillors is just additional detail.
- So the verb is is (singular), not are.
Example 3:
The ship, with its crew, was lost.
- The main subject is The ship (singular).
- With its crew only gives extra information.
- That’s why the verb is was (singular).
Example 4:
Silver, as well as cotton, has fallen in price.
- The main subject is Silver (singular).
- As well as cotton adds extra detail.
- Hence the correct verb is has (singular), not have.
Example 5:
Sanskrit, as well as Arabic, was taught there.
- The main subject is Sanskrit (singular).
- As well as Arabic is additional.
- So the verb must be was (singular).
Example 6:
Justice, as well as mercy, allows it.
- The main subject is Justice (singular).
- As well as mercy is only extra information.
- The correct verb is allows (singular).
Example 7:
The guidance, as well as the love of a mother, was wanting.
- The main subject is The guidance (singular).
- As well as the love of a mother is additional.
- That’s why the verb is was (singular).
Important Tip for Rule Number Three
When a singular subject is followed by phrases like with, as well as, together with, along with, etc., the verb always agrees with the main subject, not with the added words.
Always focus on the main subject before the extra phrase.
MCQs of Rule Number Three of English Grammar: Agreement of Verb with Singular Subject + Extra Phrases
The house, with its contents, ___ insured.
a) were
b) was
c) are
d) have
The mayor, with his councillors, ___ to be present.
a) is
b) are
c) were
d) have
The ship, with its crew, ___ lost.
a) are
b) was
c) were
d) have
Silver, as well as cotton, ___ fallen in price.
a) have
b) were
c) has
d) are
Sanskrit, as well as Arabic, ___ taught there.
a) were
b) are
c) was
d) have
Justice, as well as mercy, ___ it.
a) allow
b) were
c) have
d) allows
The guidance, as well as the love of a mother, ___ wanting.
a) were
b) was
c) are
d) have
The teacher, along with the students, ___ going on a trip.
a) is
b) are
c) have
d) were
The captain, together with his players, ___ honoured at the ceremony.
a) were
b) have
c) was
d) are
My uncle, with all his friends, ___ here yesterday.
a) are
b) was
c) were
d) have
Learn Rule Number Three