No rule of grammar is more familiar to the schoolboy than that which relates to the agreement of the verb with its subject, or nominative, and none that is more frequently violated. It would be a mistake, however, to assume that the schoolboy is the only transgressor. Ladies and gentlemen of culture and refinement, writers and speakers of experience and renown, have alike been caught in the quicksands of verb constructions.
“This painting is one of the finest masterpieces that ever was given to the world.” A transposition of the sentence will show that the verb should be were, and not was. “Of the finest masterpieces that ever were given to the world, this painting is one.”
“His essay on ‘Capital and Labor’ is one of the best that has ever been written on the subject.” The verb should be have.
“The steamer, with all her passengers and crew, were lost.” The subject is steamer, and the verb should be was.
“What signifies his good resolutions, when he does not possess strength of purpose sufficient to put them into practice?” Resolutions is the subject, and the verb should be signify.
“Of what profit is his prayers, while his practices are the abomination of the neighborhood?” Prayers being plural, the verb should be are.
“What avails good sentiments with a bad life?” Use avail.
Subject after the Verb
“In virtue and piety consist the happiness of man.” Happiness, the subject, being singular, the verb should be consists, to agree with its nominative.