The Basics
* Singular nouns: Use the singular form of the verb. Example: "He lives a long life."
* Plural nouns: Use the plural form of the verb. Example: "They live long lives."
The "Wish" Case
When you're expressing a wish, things get a little more nuanced:
* "May" + singular noun: The verb usually stays singular. Example: "May he live a long life."
* "May" + plural noun: The verb usually stays singular. Example: "May they live long lives."
Why This Works
* Subject-verb agreement: The verb should agree with the subject of the sentence. In the wish construction, the subject is often the person or thing you're wishing for (e.g., "he", "they").
* "May" as a modal verb: "May" is a modal verb that indicates a wish or possibility. It doesn't change the verb tense itself, so the verb remains singular even with a plural noun.
In your example:
The correct phrasing is "May he live a long life."
Important Note: While the verb usually stays singular after "may," there are rare cases where a plural verb might be used for emphasis. For example: "May they find happiness, love, and long lives!"
Let me know if you have more grammar questions!