Occasionally we may find ourselves in a writing situation that requires us to use a noun of measurement, such as three-fourths or five-eighths, as the subject of a sentence. Deciding when to use a singular or plural verb with a noun of measurement can become quite tricky; however, we can choose confidently between a singular verb and a plural verb by first analyzing the context and meaning of the sentence.

As with most collective nouns, when the noun of measurement functions as one unit, we should use a singular verb.

EX: Two-thirds of the building is beyond repair.

EX: Three-quarters of the cake was consumed in less than ten minutes.

When the noun of measurement is emphasizes the individual parts of the group, we should use a plural verb.

EX: The study showed that nine-tenths of the college juniors at the university were excellent writers.

EX: We noticed that about half of the cars were completely inoperable due to the rising water.

In addition to our own website, we recommend visiting the Jacobson Center for Writing Website. This site contains helpful tips with common trouble spots regarding subject/verb agreement, such as verb agreement with indefinite pronouns.

Test your understanding of subject/verb agreement when using nouns of measurement.

1. According to the story on the evening news, two-thirds of the fuel (has/have) leaked from the tractor-trailer as a result of the accident.  

2. One-third of a teaspoon of salt (is/are) all that the recipe calls for.

3. The transporting company was forced out of business because at least half of the vehicles (was/were) not able to pass the state inspection.

4. The first half of the book (seems/seem) very slow compared to the second half.

5. According to the newspaper, it looks as though three-fifths of the nation (is/are) not satisfied with the current condition of our economy.

Answers

1. According to the story on the evening news, two-thirds of the fuel has leaked from the tractor-trailer as a result of the accident. 

2. One-third of a teaspoon of salt is all that the recipe calls for.

3. The transporting company was forced out of business because at least half of the vehicles were not able to pass the state inspection.

4. The first half of the book seems very slow compared to the second half.

5. According to the newspaper, it looks as though three-fifths of the nation is not satisfied with the current condition of the economy.

Grammatically Correct is a grammar tip of the week created by Academic Center Peer Writing Tutors at the University of Houston-Victoria in Victoria, Texas.

Comments about this newsletter should be directed to Summer Leibensperger, leibenspergers@uhv.edu.

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