Basic Subject-Verb Agreement
In English, the subject and verb in a sentence must agree in number. This means a singular subject takes a singular verb, and a plural subject takes a plural verb.
For example, with the verb "to be" in the present tense:
| Subject | Verb | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| I (singular) | am | I am happy. |
| He/She/It (singular) | is | She is a teacher. |
| We/You/They (plural) | are | They are students. |
He runs every morning.
He runs every morning.
He runs every morning.
They run every morning.
They run every morning.
They run every morning.
Singular and Plural Subjects
Singular subjects require verbs ending typically in -s or -es in the present tense, while plural subjects use the base verb form without -s.
Examples with the verb "to eat":
The dog eats food.
The dog eats food.
The dog eats food.
The dogs eat food.
The dogs eat food.
The dogs eat food.
Notice how "eats" is used with singular "dog" and "eat" with plural "dogs".
Compound Subjects
When two or more subjects are joined by and, the subject is usually plural and takes a plural verb.
My brother and sister are coming to the party.
My brother and sister are coming to the party.
My brother and sister are coming to the party.
However, if the compound subject refers to one person or thing, it uses a singular verb:
Peanut butter and jelly is my favorite sandwich.
Peanut butter and jelly is my favorite sandwich.
Peanut butter and jelly is my favorite sandwich.
Subjects joined by or or nor take a verb that agrees with the nearer subject:
Either the teacher or the students are responsible.
Either the teacher or the students are responsible.
Either the teacher or the students are responsible.
Neither the students nor the teacher is late.
Neither the students nor the teacher is late.
Neither the students nor the teacher is late.
Agreement with Indefinite Pronouns
Indefinite pronouns refer to nonspecific persons or things. Some are always singular and require singular verbs, others are plural, and some can be singular or plural depending on context.
| Pronouns (Singular) | Pronouns (Plural) |
|---|---|
| each, everyone, somebody, nobody, anyone | few, many, several, both |
Everyone is invited to the meeting.
Everyone is invited to the meeting.
Everyone is invited to the meeting.
Many are interested in the new course.
Many are interested in the new course.
Many are interested in the new course.
Agreement with Collective Nouns
Collective nouns such as team, family, or group refer to a group as a single unit. They usually take singular verbs, but can take plural verbs when emphasizing individual members.
The team is winning the match.
The team is winning the match.
The team is winning the match.
The team are arguing among themselves.
The team are arguing among themselves.
The team are arguing among themselves.
Special Cases and Exceptions
Certain nouns and phrases can be tricky. Here are some common special cases:
- Amounts of money, time, distance: treated as singular.
- Titles of books, movies, organizations: singular.
- Plural form but singular meaning: such as "news" or "mathematics".
Ten dollars is too expensive.
Ten dollars is too expensive.
Ten dollars is too expensive.
The United Nations is meeting today.
The United Nations is meeting today.
The United Nations is meeting today.
Mathematics is my favorite subject.
Mathematics is my favorite subject.
Mathematics is my favorite subject.
Practice Examples
Choose the correct verb form to complete each sentence:
- The dog (bark/barks) loudly every night.
- My friends (is/are) coming to the party.
- Neither the teacher nor the students (was/were) late.
- Each of the books (is/are) on the table.
- The team (wins/win) the championship every year.
Answers:
- barks
- are
- were
- is
- wins
Tips for Remembering Rules
- Identify the subject first before choosing the verb.
- Ignore words between the subject and the verb; they do not affect agreement.
- If subjects are joined by "and," use plural verbs unless they refer to one idea.
- With "or" or "nor," match the verb to the subject closest to it.
- Remember that indefinite pronouns have fixed verb agreements.
- Practice regularly with sentences to build confidence.