Shouldn`t Joe be followed by what, not were, since Joe is singular? But Joe isn`t really there, so let`s say we weren`t there. The sentence demonstrates the subjunctive mind used to express hypothetical, desiring, imaginary, or objectively contradictory things. The subjunctive connects singular subjects to what we usually think of as a plural rush. 8. If one of the words “everyone”, “everyone” or “no” is in front of the subject, the verb is singular. 5. Subjects are not always in question in front of verbs. Be sure to identify the subject accurately before opting for the right verb form. RULE1: The subject and verb must correspond in number: both must be singular, or both must be plural. Example: The car belongs to my brother. (SINGULAR) They also play football. The verb must be singular when the subject is singular, and the verb must be plural when the subject is plural. 3.
Composite subjects that are related by and always in the plural. “There” and “here” are never subjects. In sentences beginning with these words, the theme is usually found later in the sentence. For example, there were five books on the shelf. (were in agreement with the theme of the book) None is a singular subject when used alone….