• Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Erin Wright Writing

Writing-Related Software Tutorials

  • Microsoft Word
  • Adobe Acrobat
  • PowerPoint
  • Writing
  • Editing

Should We Use Plural or Singular Verbs with Money?

By Erin Wright

Should We Use Plural or Singular Verbs with Money? | Image of Dollars and Coins

Show Me the Plural or Singular Verbs with Money!

Some people really like to talk about money. Other people put money in the do-not-discuss category alongside root canals, Brussels sprouts, and giant spiders. But even those who don’t enjoy talking about money occasionally have to write about it. Here is a brief primer on when to use plural or singular verbs with money.

1. Use singular verbs with specific amounts of money even if they include plural words for currency (e.g., dollars, cents, or pounds):

Twenty dollars doesn’t go far at the gas pump these days. (Instead of “Twenty dollars don’t…”)

Fifty dollars goes to the winner of tonight’s raffle. (Instead of “Fifty dollars go…”)

2. Use singular verbs with specific amounts of money even if they include symbols that are read or spoken as plural words:

During this exclusive offer, $25 secures your authentic collectible coin commemorating the great proofreaders of the world. Call now! (Instead of “$25 secure…”)

Today, $5,000 was raised for the local animal shelter. (Instead of “$5,000 were…)

3. Use traditional subject-verb agreement with multiple pieces of individual currency:

US dollars are taken out of circulation if they become damaged.

The British pound sterling comes in coin or paper format depending on the denomination.

In an upcoming post titled “How to Format Money in General Writing,” we’ll explore money formats within text, such as when to use symbols (e.g., $ or ¢) and when to use currency names (e.g., dollars and cents).

Until then, I hope your own money feels more plural than singular!

Update: If you need to type currency symbols that aren’t available on your keyboard, such as the euro, pound, and cent signs, check out my post “Three Ways to Insert Currency Symbols in Microsoft Word.” This post explains how to insert currency symbols using Word’s Symbol dialog box, Alt codes, and shortcut keys. Plus, it includes a YouTube video featuring the Symbol dialog box method.

Filed Under: Writing Tagged With: business writing, grammar, usage

Home » Should We Use Plural or Singular Verbs with Money?

Primary Sidebar

Meet the Author

Technical Writer and Editor Erin Wright

Hello! My name is Erin. I am a technical writer and editor who shares writing-related software tutorials on this website and on YouTube.

Recent Tutorials

How to Create Run-In Headings in Microsoft Word (Indented & Left-Aligned)

How to Insert Text into Shapes in Microsoft Word (PC & Mac)

How to Export PDF Tables from Adobe Acrobat to Excel (PC & Mac)

How to Insert Images into Shapes in Microsoft Word (PC & Mac)

How to Align the Periods in Numbered Lists in Microsoft Word (PC & Mac)

Explore More Tutorials

  • Microsoft Word
  • Adobe Acrobat
  • PowerPoint
  • Writing
  • Editing

Footer

  • Microsoft Word Tutorials
  • Adobe Acrobat Tutorials
  • PowerPoint Tutorials
  • Writing Tips
  • Editing Tips
  • Writing-Related Resources
  • About Me
  • Contact
Email: erinwrightwriting@gmail.com
Phone: 708-669-9503

Privacy Policy | Terms of Use

© Erin Wright, 2012–2023. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this website’s owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Erin Wright with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.