Subject-verb agreement is one of the most important rules in English grammar. It means that the verb in a sentence must match the subject in number. In simple words, a singular subject takes a singular verb, and a plural subject takes a plural verb. For example, we say, “She works every day,” but “They work every day.”
Many English learners make mistakes with subject-verb agreement, especially in sentences with long phrases, compound subjects, or words like “everyone,” “each,” or “a number of.” These small errors can make sentences sound incorrect, even if the idea is clear.
In this complete guide, you will learn what subject-verb agreement is, why it is important, and the key rules you need to follow. You will also find simple examples and practical explanations to help you avoid common mistakes. By the end of this article, you will feel more confident forming grammatically correct sentences in both speaking and writing.
What Is Subject-Verb Agreement?
Subject-verb agreement is a grammatical rule that requires the subject of a sentence to agree with the verb in terms of number.
In English, this means that a singular subject (one person or thing) needs a singular verb, while a plural subject (more than one person or thing) needs a plural verb.
Singular vs. Plural
Before we dive deeper, let’s review the difference between singular and plural:
- Singular refers to one item or person.
- Example: The cat sleeps on the bed.
- Plural refers to more than one item or person.
- Example: The cats sleep on the bed.
In these examples, “cat” is singular, and “cats” is plural. The verbs “sleeps” and “sleep” correspond to the singular and plural forms respectively.
Why Does Subject-Verb Agreement Matter?
Subject-verb agreement is essential for several reasons:
Clarity: Correct subject-verb agreement helps make your sentences clear. If the subject and verb don’t match, it can confuse your readers or listeners.
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- Incorrect: The dogs runs fast.
- Correct: The dogs run fast.
Professionalism: Good subject-verb agreement shows that you have a good grasp of grammar rules, which is important for clear communication in both written and spoken English.
Readability: Sentences that follow the rules of subject-verb agreement are easier to read and understand. Incorrect agreement can make your writing seem less polished.
Basic Rules of Subject-Verb Agreement
To get subject-verb agreement right, you need to follow a few basic rules.
Let’s break them down:
1. Singular Subjects Take Singular Verbs
When the subject of a sentence is singular, the verb must also be singular.
- Example: She writes a letter.
- “She” is a singular subject, so “writes” is a singular verb.
2. Plural Subjects Take Plural Verbs
When the subject of a sentence is plural, the verb must also be plural.
- Example: They write letters.
- “They” is a plural subject, so “write” is a plural verb.
3. Basic Verb Forms
In the present tense, most verbs have two forms: the base form and the -s form for singular subjects.
- Singular: He talks about the project.
- Plural: They talk about the project.
4. Be Careful with Collective Nouns
Collective nouns refer to a group of people or things.
Whether you use a singular or plural verb depends on whether you are thinking of the group as one unit or as individual members.
- Group as a unit (singular): The team is winning.
- Group as individuals (plural): The team are arguing among themselves.
Common Subject-Verb Agreement Mistakes
Even native English speakers make mistakes with subject-verb agreement.
Here are some common errors and how to fix them:
1. Ignoring the Subject’s True Form
Sometimes, you might get confused by phrases or clauses that come between the subject and the verb.
- Incorrect: The box of chocolates are on the table.
- Correct: The box of chocolates is on the table.
In this case, “box” is the true subject, so the verb should be “is,” not “are.”
2. Confusing the Subject with Prepositional Phrases
Prepositional phrases can confuse you into thinking the subject and verb don’t agree.
- Incorrect: The list of items are on the desk.
- Correct: The list of items is on the desk.
Here, “list” is the subject, not “items.”
3. Mixing Up “None”
The word “none” can be singular or plural depending on what it refers to.
- Singular: None of the information is correct.
- Plural: None of the students are absent.
4. Using “Either/Or” or “Neither/Nor”
With “either/or” and “neither/nor” constructions, the verb agrees with the part of the subject closest to it.
- Example: Either the teacher or the students are responsible for the project.
- Since “students” is plural, the verb is “are.”
Tips for Mastering Subject-Verb Agreement
Here are some tips to help you get subject-verb agreement right every time:
- Identify the Subject: Find out if the subject is singular or plural.
- Match the Verb: Make sure the verb matches the subject in number.
- Watch for Prepositional Phrases: These phrases can make subjects seem plural when they are not.
- Look for Special Cases: Be aware of collective nouns and terms like “none,” “either/or,” and “neither/nor.”
- Read Carefully: Proofread your sentences to catch mistakes.
Final Thoughts:
Subject-verb agreement is a key part of English grammar that helps make your writing and speaking clear and correct.
By understanding the basic rules and practicing with examples, you can improve your grammar skills and avoid common mistakes.
Remember, singular subjects take singular verbs, and plural subjects take plural verbs.
Pay attention to special cases and practice regularly to become more confident in your grammar abilities.
I hope this blog post has made subject-verb agreement a little easier to understand.
Happy writing!
FAQs: Subject-Verb Agreement
1. What is subject-verb agreement in simple words?
Subject-verb agreement means the verb must match the subject in number. A singular subject takes a singular verb, and a plural subject takes a plural verb.
2. Why is subject-verb agreement important?
It makes sentences clear, correct, and easy to understand. Wrong agreement can confuse the reader or listener.
3. How do I know if a subject is singular or plural?
Ask yourself: Is the subject one person/thing (singular) or more than one (plural)?
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One → singular
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More than one → plural
4. Do singular verbs always end with “-s”?
In the present tense, yes—most singular subjects take verbs with -s or -es.
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He runs
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She writes
Plural verbs usually do not take -s. -
They run
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We write
5. What if words come between the subject and the verb?
Ignore the extra words and focus on the main subject.
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The box of toys is heavy.
(Subject = box, not toys)
6. Are collective nouns singular or plural?
They can be both.
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Singular (group as one): The team is winning.
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Plural (members acting separately): The team are arguing.
7. How does “either/or” or “neither/nor” work?
The verb agrees with the subject closest to it.
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Either the teacher or the students are ready.
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Neither the students nor the teacher is ready.
8. Is “none” singular or plural?
It depends on the meaning.
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None of the milk is left.
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None of the players are late.
9. What is the most common subject-verb agreement mistake?
Getting confused by prepositional phrases.
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Wrong: The list of names are here.
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Right: The list of names is here.
10. How can I improve my subject-verb agreement?
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Identify the subject clearly
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Ignore extra phrases
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Check if the subject is singular or plural
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Practice regularly
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Read sentences aloud and proofread
You may also like these English learning articles:
- When to Use Semicolons vs. Commas in English Grammar
- Indicative, Imperative, Subjunctive Mood Explained with Examples
- Subordinating Conjunctions: A Simple Guide with Examples
- Prepositions of Time in English: Basic Rules and Examples
- Prepositions of Movement in English: Easy Guide with Examples
