Subject-Verb Agreement
Welcome to Chapter 10! In this lesson, we'll explore one of the most important rules in English grammar: subject-verb agreement. Understanding this rule will help you write and speak correctly every day.
What is Subject-Verb Agreement?
Subject-verb agreement means that the subject and verb in a sentence must match in number. If the subject is singular, the verb must be singular. If the subject is plural, the verb must be plural.
- The cat jumps (singular subject, singular verb)
- The cats jump (plural subject, plural verb)
Basic Rules of Subject-Verb Agreement
Rule 1: Singular Subjects Take Singular Verbs
When a subject is singular (one person, place, thing, or idea), use a singular verb. Singular verbs typically end in -s or -es in the present tense.
- The dog barks at strangers.
- The sun shines brightly today.
Rule 2: Plural Subjects Take Plural Verbs
Plural subjects (more than one person, place, thing, or idea) require plural verbs. Plural verbs do not end in -s in the present tense.
- The dogs bark at strangers.
- My friends and I love movies.
- bThe stars shine at night.
Special Cases and Exceptions
Compound Subjects
When two or more subjects are joined by "and," they form a compound subject and take a plural verb.
- Pizza and pasta are my favorite foods.
- Tom and Jerry were famous cartoon characters.
- Neither the teacher nor the students were happy with the test results.
- Either the cat or the dogs are making that noise.
Indefinite Pronouns
Some indefinite pronouns are always singular and take singular verbs: each, every, either, neither, one, another, much, everybody, everyone, anyone, anybody, someone, somebody, nobody, no one.
- Everyone is invited to the party.
- Each of the students has a textbook.
- Nobody knows the answer to that question.
Other indefinite pronouns are always plural:
several, few, both, many.
- Many were surprised by the announcement.
- Both of my parents work full-time.
- Some of the cake remains. (Singular)
- Some of the cookies remain. (Plural)
- All of the water has evaporated. (Singular)
- All of the students have finished. (Plural)
Collective Nouns
Collective nouns (words that represent groups, like team, committee, class, family) can take either singular or plural verbs, depending on whether the group is acting as a unit or as individuals.
- The team plays together well. (Acting as a unit)
- The team are arguing among themselves. (Acting as individuals)
- The class votes for a new representative. (Acting as a unit)
- The class are turning in their papers. (Acting as individuals)
Inverted Sentences
In questions and sentences beginning with "here" or "there," the subject comes after the verb. Be especially careful with these sentences!
- Where is my book?
- There goes the last bus.
- Here come the guests of honor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake 1: Mistaking a prepositional phrase for the subject
Sometimes a prepositional phrase comes between the subject and verb. Remember to match the verb with the true subject, not the noun in the prepositional phrase.
- The box of chocolates sits on the table. (The verb agrees with "box," not "chocolates")
- The students in the class study hard. (The verb agrees with "students," not "class")
Mistake 2: Confusing plural nouns that end in "s" with singular subjects
Words like mathematics, economics, politics, news, and measles may end in "s" but are singular and take singular verbs.
- Mathematics is challenging for some students.
- The news was unexpected.
Mistake 3: Using the wrong verb with "I"
Always remember that when the subject is "I," the verb form is different because "I" doesn't have an -s ending in the present tense.
- I read (not reads) every night before bed.
- I enjoy (not enjoys) listening to music.
Practice Exercises
Exercise 1: Circle the correct verb in each sentence.
- Each of the students (has/have) completed the assignment.
- The committee (meets/meet) every Tuesday.
- Neither the dog nor the cats (makes/make) messes.
- A number of people (was/were) interviewed for the job.
- The collection of stamps (is/are) valuable.
Answers:
Exercise 2: Rewrite each sentence to fix the subject-verb agreement error.
- The list of items are on the table.
- One of the flowers have fallen.
- The news about the election are surprising.
- Neither of the solutions work.
- Bread and butter are my breakfast.
Answers:
Tips for Mastery
- Always identify the true subject first, then choose the correct verb.
- Be careful with phrases between the subject and verb.
- Remember special cases like indefinite pronouns and collective nouns.
- Practice regularly with exercises and proofread your own writing.
- Read aloud to hear whether sentences sound right.
Subject-verb agreement is one of the most fundamental grammar rules. By mastering it, you'll instantly improve your writing and speaking skills. Keep practicing, and soon it will become second nature!
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