When it comes to writing, one of the most common errors that occur is the mismatch between the subject and verb. This type of mistake is known as a subject-verb agreement error, and it can happen even to the most experienced writers. One particular instance that often confuses writers is the use of one or more.

So, what is one or more? One or more is a phrase that describes a quantity greater than or equal to one. In the context of subject-verb agreement, this phrase can be a bit tricky. The rule of thumb is to look at the noun that follows one or more to determine whether it should be singular or plural.

If the noun is singular, then the verb should be singular as well. For example, “One or more person has volunteered to help with the event.” In this sentence, the noun person is singular, so the verb has is also singular.

On the other hand, if the noun is plural, the verb should be plural too. “One or more cars are parked in the garage.” Here, the noun cars is plural so the verb are should also be plural.

However, the subject-verb agreement with one or more can be a bit more complicated. If the subject of the sentence is unclear, it can lead to ambiguity. Take for example the sentence, “One or more of the passengers is/are lost.” In this case, it is unclear whether one or more of the passengers are lost or if only one passenger is lost.

To avoid this confusion, it is recommended to rephrase the sentence to make the subject clear. “At least one passenger is lost” or “Several passengers are lost” are better options.

In conclusion, when it comes to one or more verb agreement, it is essential to pay attention to the noun that follows the phrase to determine whether the verb should be singular or plural. Additionally, it is important to ensure that the subject of the sentence is clear to avoid any confusion or ambiguity. Remember, a simple subject-verb agreement error can have a significant impact on the clarity and effectiveness of your writing.