Subject-verb agreement is a fundamental aspect of English grammar, ensuring clarity and coherence in writing and speech. It dictates that a verb must agree in number (singular or plural) with its subject. While seemingly straightforward, mastering subject-verb agreement can be challenging due to various exceptions and special cases. This article provides a comprehensive guide to understanding and applying the rules of subject-verb agreement, equipping you with the knowledge and skills to write grammatically correct sentences. This guide is perfect for English language learners, students preparing for exams, and anyone looking to improve their grammar skills. By the end of this article, you will have a firm grasp of the rules and be able to identify and correct errors in subject-verb agreement.
Table of Contents
- Definition of Subject-Verb Agreement
- Structural Breakdown of Subject-Verb Agreement
- Types of Subjects and Verbs
- Examples of Subject-Verb Agreement
- 9 Essential Rules of Subject-Verb Agreement
- Common Mistakes in Subject-Verb Agreement
- Practice Exercises
- Advanced Topics in Subject-Verb Agreement
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
Definition of Subject-Verb Agreement
Subject-verb agreement, also known as concord, is the grammatical rule that states that the verb in a sentence must agree in number (singular or plural) with its subject. In simpler terms, if the subject is singular, the verb must be singular, and if the subject is plural, the verb must be plural. This agreement ensures that the sentence is grammatically correct and easy to understand.
The primary function of subject-verb agreement is to maintain grammatical consistency within a sentence. It helps to establish a clear relationship between the subject and the action or state being described. Without proper subject-verb agreement, sentences can sound awkward, confusing, or even incorrect.
Subject-verb agreement is crucial in all forms of English writing and speaking, from casual conversations to formal academic papers. It is an essential element of effective communication and demonstrates a strong command of the English language. Mastering this concept allows you to express your ideas clearly and accurately.
Structural Breakdown of Subject-Verb Agreement
Understanding the structure of a sentence is crucial for correctly applying subject-verb agreement. A basic sentence typically consists of a subject, a verb, and sometimes an object or complement. The subject is the noun or pronoun that performs the action or is being described. The verb is the action word or the state of being. The verb must agree with the subject in number.
In English, the verb usually changes form in the present tense to indicate agreement. For example, the verb “to be” has the following forms in the present tense: am (used with I), is (used with singular subjects), and are (used with plural subjects). Similarly, most other verbs add an “-s” or “-es” to the base form when used with a singular subject in the present tense (e.g., he walks, she eats).
Identifying the subject and verb in a sentence is the first step in ensuring subject-verb agreement. Sometimes, the subject may be separated from the verb by intervening words or phrases, making it more challenging to identify the correct subject. In such cases, it is important to carefully analyze the sentence structure to determine the true subject.
Types of Subjects and Verbs
Singular Subjects
A singular subject refers to one person, place, thing, or idea. Examples include he, she, it, John, the cat, the book. Singular subjects require singular verbs. For example: He walks, She eats, The cat sleeps.
Plural Subjects
A plural subject refers to more than one person, place, thing, or idea. Examples include they, we, you, John and Mary, the cats, the books. Plural subjects require plural verbs. For example: They walk, We eat, The cats sleep.
Compound Subjects
A compound subject consists of two or more subjects joined by a conjunction such as and, or, or nor. The verb agreement depends on the conjunction used. Subjects joined by “and” usually take a plural verb, while subjects joined by “or” or “nor” take a verb that agrees with the subject closest to the verb.
Collective Nouns
Collective nouns refer to a group of people or things considered as a single unit (e.g., team, family, committee). Collective nouns can take either a singular or plural verb, depending on whether the group is acting as a single unit or as individual members. If the group is acting as a unit, use a singular verb. If the members are acting individually, use a plural verb.
Indefinite Pronouns
Indefinite pronouns refer to nonspecific people or things (e.g., everyone, someone, nobody, each, every). Some indefinite pronouns are always singular (e.g., each, every, anyone, everyone, someone, nobody, either, neither), while others are always plural (e.g., both, few, many, several). Some can be either singular or plural, depending on the context (e.g., some, any, none, all, most).
Examples of Subject-Verb Agreement
Here are several examples to illustrate subject-verb agreement in different contexts. These examples will help you understand the correct usage of verbs with various types of subjects.
Singular Subjects
The following table demonstrates subject-verb agreement with singular subjects. Note how the verb form changes to agree with the singular noun or pronoun.
| Subject | Verb | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| He | is | He is a talented musician. |
| She | writes | She writes beautiful poetry. |
| It | rains | It rains frequently in the spring. |
| John | plays | John plays the guitar very well. |
| The cat | sleeps | The cat sleeps all day. |
| The book | is | The book is on the table. |
| My mother | cooks | My mother cooks delicious meals. |
| The car | runs | The car runs smoothly. |
| The teacher | explains | The teacher explains the lesson clearly. |
| The student | studies | The student studies hard for the exam. |
| The house | stands | The house stands on a hill. |
| The tree | grows | The tree grows tall in the garden. |
| The sun | shines | The sun shines brightly. |
| My father | works | My father works in a bank. |
| The dog | barks | The dog barks at strangers. |
| The bird | sings | The bird sings sweetly in the morning. |
| The flower | blooms | The flower blooms in the spring. |
| The computer | crashes | The computer crashes frequently. |
| The phone | rings | The phone rings often. |
| The song | sounds | The song sounds beautiful. |
| Each | has | Each has a unique perspective. |
| Every | requires | Every student requires a textbook. |
| Someone | knocks | Someone knocks on the door. |
| Nobody | cares | Nobody cares about the rules. |
| Either | is | Either option is acceptable. |
Plural Subjects
The following table demonstrates subject-verb agreement with plural subjects. Observe how the verb form changes to agree with the plural noun or pronoun.
| Subject | Verb | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| They | are | They are going to the park. |
| We | eat | We eat dinner together every night. |
| You | have | You have a beautiful smile. |
| John and Mary | play | John and Mary play tennis on weekends. |
| The cats | sleep | The cats sleep on the couch. |
| The books | are | The books are on the shelf. |
| My parents | cook | My parents cook delicious meals. |
| The cars | run | The cars run smoothly. |
| The teachers | explain | The teachers explain the lessons clearly. |
| The students | study | The students study hard for the exam. |
| The houses | stand | The houses stand on a hill. |
| The trees | grow | The trees grow tall in the garden. |
| The stars | shine | The stars shine brightly at night. |
| My friends | work | My friends work in different companies. |
| The dogs | bark | The dogs bark at strangers. |
| The birds | sing | The birds sing sweetly in the morning. |
| The flowers | bloom | The flowers bloom in the spring. |
| The computers | crash | The computers crash frequently. |
| The phones | ring | The phones ring often. |
| The songs | sound | The songs sound beautiful. |
| Both | are | Both are excellent choices. |
| Few | understand | Few understand the complexity. |
| Many | believe | Many believe in the possibility. |
| Several | agree | Several agree with the decision. |
| Some | are | Some are still available. |
Compound Subjects
This table illustrates subject-verb agreement with compound subjects, paying attention to the conjunctions used.
| Subject | Verb | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| John and Mary | are | John and Mary are going to the movies. |
| The cat and the dog | play | The cat and the dog play together in the yard. |
| Coffee or tea | is | Coffee or tea is a good choice in the morning. |
| Neither John nor Mary | is | Neither John nor Mary is coming to the party. |
| The book and the pen | are | The book and the pen are on the desk. |
| The singer and the dancer | perform | The singer and the dancer perform on stage. |
| The chair and the table | are | The chair and the table are in the living room. |
| The rain and the wind | make | The rain and the wind make the weather unpleasant. |
| Either the students or the teacher | is | Either the students or the teacher is responsible. |
| Neither the children nor their parents | are | Neither the children nor their parents are home. |
| The car and the motorcycle | belong | The car and the motorcycle belong to him. |
| The cake and the ice cream | are | The cake and the ice cream are for dessert. |
| The player and the coach | agree | The player and the coach agree on the strategy. |
| The doctor and the nurse | work | The doctor and the nurse work together. |
| The sun and the moon | have | The sun and the moon have different roles. |
| The hammer and the nails | are | The hammer and the nails are in the toolbox. |
| The bread and the butter | are | The bread and the butter are for breakfast. |
| The shirt and the pants | fit | The shirt and the pants fit well. |
| The actor and the actress | rehearse | The actor and the actress rehearse the scene. |
| The dog or the cat | is | The dog or the cat is making noise. |
| Either the book or the magazine | is | Either the book or the magazine is interesting. |
| Neither the food nor the drinks | are | Neither the food nor the drinks are ready. |
| The key and the lock | are | The key and the lock are missing. |
| The pen and the paper | are | The pen and the paper are essential for writing. |
| The movie and the music | entertain | The movie and the music entertain the audience. |
9 Essential Rules of Subject-Verb Agreement
These are the core rules that govern subject-verb agreement in English. Understanding these rules will help you avoid common errors and write more grammatically correct sentences.
Rule 1: Singular subjects take singular verbs, and plural subjects take plural verbs.
This is the most fundamental rule of subject-verb agreement. A singular subject requires a singular verb, while a plural subject requires a plural verb. For example: The dog barks (singular) vs. The dogs bark (plural).
Rule 2: Ignore intervening phrases and clauses.
Words or phrases that come between the subject and the verb do not affect the agreement. Focus on the actual subject, not the words in between. For example: The box of chocolates is on the table. (The subject is box, not chocolates).
Rule 3: Compound subjects joined by “and” usually take a plural verb.
When two or more subjects are joined by “and,” they are considered a plural subject and require a plural verb. For example: John and Mary are going to the party.
Exception: If the compound subject refers to a single idea or entity, use a singular verb. For example: Peanut butter and jelly is my favorite sandwich.
Rule 4: With “or” or “nor,” the verb agrees with the subject closest to it.
When subjects are joined by “or” or “nor,” the verb agrees with the subject that is closest to the verb. For example: Neither the students nor the teacher is present. Neither the teacher nor the students are present.
Rule 5: Collective nouns can be singular or plural, depending on the context.
Collective nouns can take a singular verb if the group is acting as a single unit, or a plural verb if the members are acting individually. For example: The team is playing well (as a unit). The team are arguing about their salaries (as individuals).
Rule 6: Indefinite pronouns vary in agreement.
Some indefinite pronouns are always singular (e.g., each, every, anyone, everyone, someone, nobody), some are always plural (e.g., both, few, many, several), and some can be either singular or plural (e.g., some, any, none, all, most), depending on the context. For example: Everyone is invited. Both are welcome. Some of the cake is gone (singular). Some of the cookies are gone (plural).
Rule 7: “There is” vs. “There are.”
Use “there is” with singular nouns and “there are” with plural nouns. The subject follows the verb in these constructions. For example: There is a book on the table. There are books on the table.
Rule 8: Titles of works, company names, and gerunds used as subjects take singular verbs.
Even if the title or name appears plural, it is treated as a singular unit. For example: “The Simpsons” is a popular TV show. Running is good exercise.
Rule 9: Quantities and measurements usually take a singular verb.
Even if the quantity or measurement seems plural, it is often treated as a singular unit. For example: Ten dollars is too much to pay for that. Five miles is a long distance to walk.
Common Mistakes in Subject-Verb Agreement
Many common mistakes in subject-verb agreement arise from overlooking the fundamental rules or being confused by complex sentence structures. Recognizing these errors is the first step towards correcting them.
Mistake 1: Ignoring Intervening Phrases: Forgetting that phrases between the subject and verb don’t affect agreement.
Incorrect: The box of chocolates are on the table.
Correct: The box of chocolates is on the table.
Mistake 2: Incorrect Agreement with Compound Subjects: Failing to use a plural verb with subjects joined by “and.”
Incorrect: John and Mary is going to the party.
Correct: John and Mary are going to the party.
Mistake 3: Misusing “Or” and “Nor”: Not making the verb agree with the closest subject when using “or” or “nor.”
Incorrect: Neither the students nor the teacher are present.
Correct: Neither the students nor the teacher is present.
Mistake 4: Confusing Collective Nouns: Not recognizing when a collective noun should be treated as singular or plural.
Incorrect: The team are playing well as a unit.
Correct: The team is playing well as a unit.
Mistake 5: Misunderstanding Indefinite Pronouns: Not knowing which indefinite pronouns are singular, plural, or variable.
Incorrect: Everyone are invited.
Correct: Everyone is invited.
Mistake 6: Incorrect Use of “There Is/Are”: Using the wrong form of “there is/are” based on the following noun.
Incorrect: There are a book on the table.
Correct: There is a book on the table.
Mistake 7: Confusing Titles and Gerunds: Failing to use singular verbs with titles of works or gerunds used as subjects.
Incorrect: “The Simpsons” are a popular TV show.
Correct: “The Simpsons” is a popular TV show.
Mistake 8: Incorrect Agreement with Quantities: Treating quantities and measurements as plural when they should be singular.
Incorrect: Ten dollars are too much to pay for that.
Correct: Ten dollars is too much to pay for that.
Practice Exercises
Test your understanding of subject-verb agreement with these practice exercises. Choose the correct verb form in each sentence.
Exercise 1: Basic Agreement
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. The dog (barks/bark) loudly. | barks |
| 2. The dogs (barks/bark) loudly. | bark |
| 3. She (runs/run) every morning. | runs |
| 4. They (runs/run) every morning. | run |
| 5. He (is/are) a good student. | is |
| 6. We (is/are) good students. | are |
| 7. It (feels/feel) cold today. | feels |
| 8. These flowers (smells/smell) nice. | smell |
| 9. The car (needs/need) to be washed. | needs |
| 10. The cars (needs/need) to be washed. | need |
Exercise 2: Intervening Phrases
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. The book, along with the pens, (is/are) on the table. | is |
| 2. The quality of the apples (is/are) very good. | is |
| 3. The students in the class (studies/study) hard. | study |
| 4. A basket of fruit (sits/sit) on the counter. | sits |
| 5. The price of these shoes (is/are) too high. | is |
| 6. The colors in the painting (is/are) vibrant. | are |
| 7. The sound of the birds (is/are) soothing. | is |
| 8. The pages of the book (is/are) torn. | are |
| 9. The smell of the coffee (fills/fill) the room. | fills |
| 10. The houses on the street (looks/look) similar. | look |
Exercise 3: Compound Subjects
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. John and Mary (is/are) coming to the party. | are |
| 2. Peanut butter and jelly (is/are) my favorite sandwich. | is |
| 3. The singer and the dancer (performs/perform) on stage. | perform |
| 4. Either the cat or the dog (is/are) making noise. | is |
| 5. Neither the students nor the teacher (is/are) present. | is |
| 6. My brother and I (enjoys/enjoy) playing video games. | enjoy |
| 7. The hammer and nails (is/are) in the toolbox. | are |
| 8. Coffee and cake (makes/make) a nice treat. | make |
| 9. The actor and the actress (rehearses/rehearse) the scene. | rehearse |
| 10. Neither the food nor the drinks (is/are) ready. | are |
Exercise 4: Collective Nouns
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. The team (is/are) playing well. | is |
| 2. The team (is/are) arguing about their salaries. | are |
| 3. The family (is/are) having dinner together. | is |
| 4. The committee (has/have) made a decision. | has |
| 5. The audience (was/were) clapping enthusiastically. | was |
| 6. The jury (is/are) still deliberating. | is |
| 7. The class (is/are) taking a test. | is |
| 8. The government (is/are) working on the new policy. | is |
| 9. The flock of birds (flies/fly) south for the winter. | flies |
| 10. The crowd (is/are) dispersing after the event. | is |
Exercise 5: Indefinite Pronouns
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. Everyone (is/are) invited to the party. | is |
| 2. Both (is/are) welcome. | are |
| 3. Each (has/have) a unique perspective. | has |
| 4. Some of the cake (is/are) gone. | is |
| 5. Some of the cookies (is/are) gone. | are |
| 6. Nobody (knows/know) the answer. | knows |
| 7. Few (understand/understands) the complexity. | understand |
| 8. Many (believes/believe) in the possibility. | believe |
| 9. Several (agrees/agree) with the decision. | agree |
| 10. All of the students (is/are) present. | are |
Advanced Topics in Subject-Verb Agreement
For advanced learners, understanding these more complex aspects of subject-verb agreement can further refine your grammar skills.
Inverted Sentences
In inverted sentences, the subject comes after the verb. Ensure the verb agrees with the subject, even when it’s in an unusual position. Example: Under the tree sits a lonely dog. (The subject is dog, not tree.)
Sentences Starting with “Here” or “There”
In sentences beginning with “here” or “there,” the subject follows the verb. The verb must agree with the subject that comes after it. Example: There are many reasons to be happy. (The subject is reasons.)
Relative Clauses
When using relative pronouns (who, which, that), the verb in the relative clause must agree with the noun that the pronoun refers to. Example: He is one of the students who study hard. (who refers to students.)
Titles and Names
Titles of books, movies, and organizations are usually treated as singular, even if they contain plural words. Example: “The Grapes of Wrath” is a classic novel.
Words Expressing Time, Money, and Distance
Expressions of time, money, and distance are generally treated as singular units. Example: Five years is a long time to wait.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about subject-verb agreement and their detailed answers to help clarify any remaining doubts.
Q1: What is subject-verb agreement, and why is it important?
A1: Subject-verb agreement is the grammatical rule that the verb in a sentence must match its subject in number (singular or plural). It’s important because it ensures clarity and grammatical correctness, making your writing easier to understand and more professional.
Q2: How do I identify the subject in a sentence?
A2: The subject is the noun or pronoun that performs the action or is being described by the verb. It’s often found at the beginning of the sentence, but it can also be located elsewhere, especially in questions or sentences with inverted word order. Look for who or what is doing the action.
Q3: What are collective nouns, and how do they affect subject-verb agreement?
A3: Collective nouns refer to a group of people or things considered as a single unit (e.g., team, family, committee). They can take either a singular or plural verb, depending on whether the group is acting as a single unit (singular verb) or as individual members (plural verb).
Q4: How do I handle compound subjects joined by “and,” “or,” or “nor”?
A4: Subjects joined by “and” usually take a plural verb. Subjects joined by “or” or “nor” take a verb that agrees with the subject closest to the verb.
Q5: What are indefinite pronouns, and how do they affect subject-verb agreement?
A5: Indefinite pronouns refer to nonspecific people or things (e.g., everyone, someone, nobody, each, every). Some are always singular, some are always plural, and some can be either, depending on the context. It’s important to know which category each pronoun falls into.
Q6: What should I do if there are phrases or clauses between the subject and the verb?
A6: Ignore the phrases or clauses between the subject and the verb when determining agreement. Focus on the actual subject, not the words in between. For example, in the sentence “The box of chocolates is on the table,” the subject is “box,” so the verb should be “is.”
Q7: How does subject-verb agreement work in sentences that start with “there is” or “there are”?
A7: In sentences beginning with “there is” or “there are,” the subject follows the verb. The verb must agree with the subject that comes after it. For example, “There is a book on the table” (singular) vs. “There are books on the table” (plural).
Q8: Are titles of books, movies, and songs treated as singular or plural?
A8: Titles are generally treated as singular, even if they contain plural words. For example, “The Simpsons” is a popular TV show.
Conclusion
Mastering subject-verb agreement is essential for clear and effective communication in English. By understanding the fundamental rules and practicing regularly, you can avoid common mistakes and improve your overall grammar skills. Remember to identify the subject, pay attention to intervening phrases, and be aware of the special cases involving compound subjects, collective nouns, and indefinite pronouns.
Consistent practice and careful attention to detail will solidify your understanding of subject-verb agreement. Use the rules and examples provided in this article as a guide, and don’t hesitate to review and practice regularly. With dedication, you’ll be able to write with confidence and clarity, ensuring that your message is always grammatically correct.
I’m James Terban, a teacher with a degree in Education and five years of experience working with students of all ages, from young kids learning their first grammar rules to adults picking up English as a second language. I started Linguistics Guide because I kept seeing good learners hit a wall due to explanations that were either too vague or too complicated. Every article here comes from a real question I have heard in a classroom or seen asked online.