Subject-verb agreement in English grammar ensures that the verb matches the number of its subject. For singular subjects like “The cat is here,” use a singular verb. For plural subjects like “The cats are here,” use a plural verb. This rule also applies to compound subjects and certain indefinite pronouns, ensuring clear and correct language usage. For example, the singular subject it and the plural subject they use different versions of the same verb: “it goes . . . ” and “they go . . . ”
Learning the rules for subject-verb agreement can be difficult at first, but with enough practice, you’ll find they start to make more sense.
What is the Subject-Verb Agreement?
Subject-verb agreement, also known as “subject-verb concord,” ensures that the subject and verb of a sentence match in tense, aspect, and mood (TAM), which primarily translates to number and sometimes person in English grammar. Unlike some languages, English does not generally use grammatical gender distinctions except for pronouns. The verb “be” is an exception, as it changes based on whether it refers to the first, second, or third person.
In English, subject-verb agreement primarily focuses on quantity: a singular subject requires a singular verb, and a plural subject requires a plural verb. For example, “He climbs the fence” contrasts with “They climb the fence.” However, the first-person singular (“I climb the fence”) and first-person plural (“We climb the fence”) use the same verb form. Apart from the verb “be,” which also adapts for third-person singular (“It climbs the fence”), maintaining correct subject-verb agreement ensures clarity and grammatical accuracy in writing.
Rules of Subject-Verb Agreement
The concept of subject-verb concord matters the most when using the present tenses. The simple past and simple future tenses have the same verbs used irrespective of the subject in the sentence. Knowing and following the rules of subject-verb agreement will help you write error-free sentences.
Rule 1
The use of a singular verb with a singular subject and a plural verb with a plural subject. The subject can be a noun, a pronoun, or even a noun phrase. If it is a pronoun, the subject-verb agreement is done about the person of the pronoun.
For example:
Rachel spends her free time listening to music. (Singular subject with singular verb)
Blaine and Kurt play the piano. (Plural subject with a plural verb)
She likes to have dessert after every meal. (Third person singular pronoun with singular subject)
Rule 2
When using the ‘be’ form of verbs, there is an exception. In this case, the verb is used according to the number and person of the subject.
| Person | Pronoun | Verb | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| First-person singular | I | am | I am confident. |
| First-person plural | We | are | We are confident. |
| Second-person singular/plural | You | are | You are confident. |
| Third person singular | He | is | He is confident. |
| She | is | She is confident. |
Furthermore, when used with other nouns and noun phrases, the rule applies. The same works even with simple past, present continuous, and past continuous tenses when the ‘be’ form of verbs is used as the principal verb/helping verb.
-Santana is a singer.
-The girls are waiting for you.
-We were happy with the review of our first movie.
-I was reading the latest book by Rudyard Kipling.
Rule 3
The use of “have” and “has” in the present perfect tense, the present perfect continuous tense, and as a main verb is also dependent on the subject. All singular subjects use “has” and all plural subjects use ‘have’.
For example:
– She has finished her homework.
– They have visited Paris several times.
– He has been working on the project all day.
– We have been waiting for the bus for an hour.
– The cat has a new toy.
– The students have many questions.
Rule 4
Compound subjects combined using the conjunction “and” take a plural verb.
For example:
-The cat and the dog are playing in the yard.
-Sarah and her brother like to go hiking.
-The manager and the employees have decided to implement the new policy.
Rule 5
When more than one noun is joined by the conjunction “or”, the subject is considered to be singular, and a singular verb is used.
For example:
-Either the teacher or the student is responsible for bringing the materials.
-Neither the cat nor the dog has been fed yet.
-Either the manager or the assistant is attending the meeting.
Rule 6
Sentences with pronouns such as anybody, anyone, no one, somebody, someone, everybody, everyone, nothing, and nobody are treated as singular subjects and will therefore use a singular verb.
For example:
-Everybody is excited about the upcoming trip.
-Someone has left their bag in the classroom.
-Nobody wants to miss the concert tonight.
Rule 7
For sentences using “either..or” and “neither..nor”, the verb should agree with the noun or pronoun that comes just before it.
For example:
-Either the students or the teacher is going to present the project.
-Neither the manager nor the employees were satisfied with the outcome.
-Either the book or the magazines are on the table.
Rule 8
When sentences have subjects like police, scissors, staff, mathematics, etc. (nouns that are plural by default), the verb used should be plural.
For example:
-The police have arrested the suspect.
-The scissors are on the desk.
-The staff are discussing the new project.
Rule 9
When a negative sentence is written, the “do” verb is used and it has to match the subject.
For example:
-She does not like to eat spicy food.
-They do not understand the instructions.
-He does not have a car.
Rule 10
Interrogative sentences also take the help of the “do” verb. As far as the subject-verb agreement of interrogative sentences is concerned, the first verb (“be” verb or “do” verb) has to be aligned with the subject of the sentence.
For example:
–Does she know the answer?
–Do they want to join the team?
–Is he coming to the party?
Rule 11
When you have sentences that begin with “here”, “there”, “this”, “that”, “those”, “these”, etc., always remember that the subject follows the verb, and therefore the verb has to be conjugated regarding the subject.
For example:
–Here are the books you requested.
–There is a problem with the computer.
–These are the shoes I bought yesterday.
Rule 12
Abstract nouns and uncountable nouns are considered as singular subjects, so make sure you use a singular verb along with it.
For example:
-Mathematics is his favorite subject.
-Happiness comes from within.
-Time flies when you’re having fun.
Rule 13
When the subject refers to a time, distance, or a sum of money, use a singular verb.
For example:
-Ten miles is a long distance to walk.
-Five thousand dollars was spent on renovations.
-One hour is not enough time to finish the project.
Rule 14
The next rule is based on the use of collective nouns as subjects. Remember that when you have a collective noun as the subject of the sentence, the verb can be singular or plural based on the sentence and the context.
For example:
-The team is preparing for the championship.
-The committee has different opinions on the matter.
-The family is going on vacation next week.
Rule 15
In sentences that have adjectives such as “all”, “a lot o”, “lots of” or “some” are used along with nouns to form a phrase that acts as the subject of the sentence, the verb is used according to the noun just before it.
For example:
-All of the information has been reviewed carefully.
-A lot of people are attending the concert tonight.
-Some of the cake was eaten by the guests.
Rule 16
When a sentence begins with “each” or “every” as the subject, it is considered singular and so the verb has to be singular too.
For example:
-Each student receives a certificate at the end of the course.
-Every car needs regular maintenance.
-Each of the boxes contains different items.
Rule 17
When you are using a sentence to express a wish or a sentence expressing a request, verbs are used a little differently from other sentences.
For example:
-I wish she were here with us. (Wish expressing a hypothetical situation)
-Could you please pass me the salt? (Request using the modal verb “could”)
-May you have a wonderful birthday! (Wish expressing good wishes)
Examples of Subject-Verb Agreement
Here are twenty sentence examples demonstrating subject-verb agreement:
1.She likes to read books.
2.They play soccer every weekend.
3.The cat and the dog are playing together.
4.Neither the cat nor the dog is hungry.
5.Everyone is invited to the party.
6.Many students have already completed the assignment.
7.The team is celebrating their victory.
8.The jury has reached a verdict.
9.There are many books on the shelf.
10.One of the books is missing.
11.Physics is a fascinating subject.
12.The scissors are on the table.
13.The news is always changing.
14.She does not like coffee.
15.Do they want to go to the movies?
16.Here is your coffee.
17.Each student has a different opinion.
18.The flowers in the garden look beautiful.
19.The concert starts at 7 PM.
20.The children are playing in the park.
Frequently Asked Questions About Subject-Verb Agreement
Why is subject-verb agreement important?
It ensures clarity and correctness in writing, helping readers understand sentences correctly and maintaining grammatical accuracy.
Why is subject-verb agreement important in interrogative sentences?
Subject-verb agreement ensures that the verb correctly reflects the number and person of the subject, which is crucial for clarity and grammatical correctness.
How do I know if a verb should be singular or plural?
Determine the number of the subject:
Singular subjects (e.g., “cat,” “book”) take singular verbs (e.g., “is,” “reads”).
Plural subjects (e.g., “cats,” “books”) take plural verbs (e.g., “are,” “read”).
What are some common mistakes to avoid?
-Incorrect use of singular or plural verbs with subjects joined by “and.”
-Forgetting to adjust the verb when the subject changes in number.
-Misidentifying the subject and choosing the wrong verb form.
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