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Plural expressions with singular verbs

Amounts and quantities: that five pounds​

When we talk about amounts and quantities we usually use singular determiners, verbs and pronouns, even if the noun is plural.

  • Where is that five pounds I lent you? (not Where are those five pounds …?)
  • Twenty miles is a long way to walk.
  • ‘We’ve only got five cans of juice left.’ ‘That isn’t enough.’
  • More than 41 inches of snow has fallen on the city this winter.

Calculations​

Singular verbs are often possible after plural number subjects in spoken calculations.

  • Two and two is/are four.
  • Ten times five is fifty. (or Ten fives are fifty.)
note

For more about spoken calculations, (see here).

more than one​

More than one is generally used with a singular noun and verb.

  • More than one person is going to have to find a new job.

one of …​

Expressions beginning one of normally have a plural noun and a singular verb.

  • One of my friends is getting married. (not One of my friends are …)
note

For singular and plural verbs in relative clauses after one of …, (see here).

and​

Some expressions joined by and have singular determiners, verbs and pronouns (see here). This happens when the two nouns are used together so often that we think of them as a single idea.

  • This gin and tonic isn’t very strong, is it?
  • Your toast and honey is on the table.

Countries and organisations: The United States is …​

Plural names of countries usually have singular verbs and pronouns.

  • The United States is anxious to improve its image in Latin America.

Plural names of organisations may also have singular verbs and pronouns.

  • Consolidated Fruitgrowers has just taken over Universal Foodstores.