Subject-verb agreement is an important rule in English grammar. It means that the subject and verb in a sentence must agree in number. A singular subject usually takes a singular verb, while a plural subject takes a plural verb. For example, “She plays football” and “They play football” show how verbs change according to their subjects.
Understanding subject-verb agreement rules helps you write grammatically correct sentences and communicate clearly in English. However, some rules can be confusing, especially when sentences contain collective nouns, indefinite pronouns, compound subjects, or words between the subject and verb.
In this guide, you will learn the essential rules of subject-verb agreement with clear explanations and practical examples. You will also discover common mistakes, important exceptions, and simple exercises to help you use subject-verb agreement correctly in everyday English.
Table of Contents
What Is Subject-Verb Agreement?
Subject-verb agreement is a grammar rule that requires the subject and verb in a sentence to agree in number and person. This means a singular subject takes the appropriate singular verb form, while a plural subject takes the appropriate plural verb form.
In the simple present tense, most verbs add -s or -es when the subject is third-person singular (he, she, or it). Plural subjects generally use the base form of the verb.
For example:
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She plays tennis every morning. (Singular subject)
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They play tennis every morning. (Plural subject)
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The boy watches television. (Singular subject)
-
The boys watch television. (Plural subject)
In these examples, the verbs change according to the subjects. The singular subjects she and the boy take plays and watches, while the plural subjects they and the boys take play and watch.
Singular vs. Plural Subject-Verb Agreement
The following table shows how verbs agree with singular and plural subjects in the simple present tense.
| Singular Subject | Plural Subject |
|---|---|
| He works hard. | They work hard. |
| The cat sleeps. | The cats sleep. |
| She writes a letter. | They write letters. |
| The student studies. | The students study. |
| The child plays outside. | The children play outside. |
Important Note: Not all subjects follow the same verb pattern. For example, I and you use the base form of most verbs in the simple present tense: “I work” and “You work.” The verb be also has special forms, such as am, is, and are.
Why Is Subject-Verb Agreement Important?
Subject-verb agreement is important because it helps you form grammatically correct sentences and communicate clearly in English. Using the correct verb form makes your writing more accurate and your speech easier to understand.
Here are three reasons why learning subject-verb agreement is essential.
1. Improves Grammatical Accuracy
Subject-verb agreement helps you avoid common grammar mistakes. When the subject and verb agree, your sentences follow standard English grammar rules.
For example:
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Incorrect: She go to school every day.
-
Correct: She goes to school every day.
The singular subject she requires the verb goes in the simple present tense.
2. Makes Writing Clear and Professional
Correct subject-verb agreement improves the quality of your writing, especially in academic essays, business emails, and formal communication.
For example:
-
Incorrect: The manager and employees works together.
-
Correct: The manager and employees work together.
The compound subject the manager and employees is plural, so it takes the plural verb work.
3. Builds Confidence in Speaking English
Understanding subject-verb agreement helps you choose the correct verb forms when speaking. With regular practice, you can use these forms more naturally in everyday conversations.
For example:
-
Incorrect: My brother live in London.
-
Correct: My brother lives in London.
The singular subject my brother requires the verb lives in the simple present tense.
Learning these basic grammar rules helps you express ideas more accurately in both spoken and written English.
Basic Rules of Subject-Verb Agreement
The basic rules of subject-verb agreement explain how verbs change according to the number and person of their subjects. In the simple present tense, singular and plural subjects often use different verb forms.
Here are the essential rules with explanations and examples.
Rule 1: Singular Subjects Take Singular Verbs
A third-person singular subject, such as he, she, it, or a singular noun, usually takes a verb ending in -s or -es in the simple present tense.
Examples:
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She reads a book every night.
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The teacher explains the lesson.
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My brother plays football.
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The dog barks loudly.
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He watches television after dinner.
In these sentences, the subjects are singular, so the verbs take their third-person singular forms.
Remember: This rule applies to most verbs in the simple present tense. Other tenses follow different verb patterns.
Rule 2: Plural Subjects Take Plural Verbs
Plural subjects generally take the base form of the verb in the simple present tense. Unlike third-person singular subjects, plural subjects do not add -s or -es to regular present-tense verbs.
Examples:
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They read books every night.
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The teachers explain the lessons.
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My brothers play football.
-
The dogs bark loudly.
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The students study English every day.
In these examples, the plural subjects take verbs without the third-person singular endings.
Rule 3: The Pronouns I and You Follow Special Patterns
The pronouns I and you use the base form of most verbs in the simple present tense, even when they refer to one person.
Examples:
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I work every day.
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You speak English well.
-
I enjoy reading books.
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You need more practice.
Incorrect: I works every day.
Correct: I work every day.
Although I refers to one person, it does not take the third-person singular verb ending.
Rule 4: The Verb Be Must Agree with the Subject
The verb be has different forms depending on the subject and tense. In the present tense, we use am, is, and are.
| Subject | Verb | Example |
|---|---|---|
| I | am | I am a student. |
| He / She / It | is | She is happy. |
| Singular noun | is | The book is interesting. |
| You | are | You are helpful. |
| We / They | are | They are ready. |
| Plural noun | are | The children are playing. |
In the past tense, be changes to was or were.
Examples:
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I was tired yesterday.
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She was at home.
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They were at school.
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We were happy.
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You were late.
Important: The verb be does not follow the same patterns as most regular verbs. You must choose the correct form based on the subject and tense.
Rule 5: Helping Verbs Must Agree with the Subject
Some helping verbs, also called auxiliary verbs, change according to the subject. Common examples include do, does, have, and has.
Examples:
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She does her homework.
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They do their homework.
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He has a new bicycle.
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We have enough time.
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My sister does not like coffee.
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The children have finished their work.
The helping verbs does and has are used with third-person singular subjects in the present tense, while do and have are used with I, you, we, and they.
Note: Modal verbs such as can, will, should, and must do not change according to the subject.
For example:
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She can swim.
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They can swim.
Special Rules of Subject-Verb Agreement
Some subjects require special attention because their grammatical structure can affect the verb form. These include compound subjects, collective nouns, indefinite pronouns, and expressions using each or every.
Understanding these rules helps you choose the correct verb when a sentence contains more than one subject or a word that refers to a group.
Rule 6: Subjects Joined by And
When two or more subjects are joined by and, they usually take a plural verb because they refer to more than one person or thing.
Examples:
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Tom and Jerry are friends.
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My brother and sister live in London.
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Reading and writing are important skills.
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The teacher and the students work together.
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John and Mary play tennis every weekend.
In these examples, and connects two subjects, so the verb is plural.
Exception: When two nouns joined by and refer to the same person, thing, or a single unit, they may take a singular verb.
Examples:
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Bread and butter is my favorite breakfast.
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The owner and manager is attending the meeting.
In the second example, the owner and manager refers to one person who holds both positions.
Rule 7: Subjects Joined by Or or Nor
When two subjects are connected by or or nor, the verb generally agrees with the subject closest to it.
This rule also applies to either…or and neither…nor constructions.
Examples:
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Either the teacher or the students are responsible.
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Either the students or the teacher is responsible.
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Neither my brother nor my sisters are coming.
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Neither the players nor the coach was ready.
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Either John or Mary has the answer.
In these sentences, the verb agrees with the nearer subject.
Remember: When one subject is singular and the other is plural, place the plural subject closer to the verb when possible. This often makes the sentence sound more natural.
Rule 8: Collective Nouns
Collective nouns refer to groups of people, animals, or things. Common examples include team, family, committee, class, audience, and group.
In American English, collective nouns usually take singular verbs when the group is treated as one unit.
Examples:
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The team is playing well.
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My family lives in New York.
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The committee has made a decision.
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The class starts at nine o’clock.
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The audience enjoys the performance.
In British English, some collective nouns can take plural verbs when the members of the group are considered individually.
Examples:
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The team are arguing among themselves.
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The committee have different opinions.
Important: In American English, it is often more natural to say “The team members are arguing” when emphasizing individual members.
Rule 9: Indefinite Pronouns
Indefinite pronouns refer to people or things without identifying them specifically. Some indefinite pronouns are singular, while others are plural.
Singular Indefinite Pronouns
Pronouns such as everyone, everybody, someone, somebody, anyone, anybody, no one, nobody, each, either, and neither generally take singular verbs.
Examples:
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Everyone is excited.
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Somebody has left a message.
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Each knows the answer.
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Nobody wants to leave.
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Neither is correct.
Plural Indefinite Pronouns
Pronouns such as both, few, many, and several take plural verbs.
Examples:
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Both are correct.
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Few know the answer.
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Many believe the story.
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Several have applied for the job.
Indefinite Pronouns That Can Be Singular or Plural
Some indefinite pronouns, including all, some, most, any, and none, can take singular or plural verbs depending on what they refer to.
Examples:
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Some of the water is missing.
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Some of the students are absent.
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Most of the cake is gone.
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Most of the books are new.
The verb depends on whether the pronoun refers to an uncountable quantity or plural countable items.
Rule 10: Subjects with Each and Every
When each or every comes before a singular countable noun, the subject takes a singular verb.
Examples:
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Each student has a notebook.
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Every child needs attention.
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Each teacher prepares a lesson.
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Every employee follows the rules.
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Each of the players is ready.
Even when each is followed by a phrase containing a plural noun, the verb remains singular because each is the subject.
Examples:
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Each of the students has completed the assignment.
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Each of the books is interesting.
When each or every modifies two singular nouns joined by and, the verb is generally singular.
Examples:
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Every boy and girl is welcome.
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Each student and teacher has an identification card.
These expressions emphasize individual members rather than treating them as a plural group.
Subject-Verb Agreement Exceptions
Although most subjects follow the basic rules of subject-verb agreement, some nouns and expressions require special attention. Certain nouns look plural but take singular verbs, while others use different verb forms depending on their meaning.
Here are some important exceptions and special cases with examples.
Rule 11: Nouns Ending in -s That Are Singular
Some nouns end in -s but refer to a single subject or concept. These nouns usually take singular verbs.
Common examples include news, mathematics, physics, economics, and linguistics when referring to academic subjects.
Examples:
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The news is surprising.
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Mathematics is my favorite subject.
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Physics requires careful study.
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Economics is an interesting subject.
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Linguistics focuses on the scientific study of language.
Although these nouns end in -s, they are grammatically singular in these examples.
Remember: Not every noun ending in -s is singular. Words such as scissors, trousers, and glasses (meaning spectacles) generally take plural verbs.
For example:
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The scissors are on the table.
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My trousers are too long.
Rule 12: Titles of Books, Movies, and Other Works
Titles of books, movies, songs, and other creative works generally take singular verbs when referring to one complete work, even if the title contains plural words.
Examples:
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The Chronicles of Narnia is a popular fantasy series.
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Great Expectations is a novel by Charles Dickens.
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The Hunger Games is a popular novel.
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Little Women is a classic novel.
In these sentences, each title refers to one work, so the verb is singular.
Rule 13: Amounts of Time, Money, and Distance
When an amount of time, money, or distance is considered a single quantity or unit, it usually takes a singular verb.
Examples:
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Ten dollars is enough for lunch.
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Five kilometers is a long distance to walk.
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Two hours is enough time to finish the task.
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Twenty minutes is a short break.
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One hundred dollars is a reasonable price.
In these examples, the subjects represent complete amounts rather than individual units.
Exception: When individual units are emphasized, a plural verb may be appropriate.
For example:
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Ten dollars were scattered across the floor.
Here, ten dollars refers to individual dollar bills rather than a single amount of money.
Rule 14: Uncountable Nouns Take Singular Verbs
Uncountable nouns generally take singular verbs because they refer to substances, materials, or abstract concepts that are not normally counted individually.
Common uncountable nouns include information, advice, furniture, equipment, water, and knowledge.
Examples:
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The information is useful.
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Her advice helps me.
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The furniture looks beautiful.
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This equipment works properly.
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Water is essential for life.
Remember: Uncountable nouns usually do not take plural verb forms unless they are used with a different, countable meaning.
Rule 15: Fractions and Percentages
When a fraction or percentage is followed by of, the verb usually agrees with the noun or pronoun that follows of.
Use a singular verb with a singular or uncountable noun and a plural verb with a plural noun.
Examples:
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Fifty percent of the water is gone.
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Fifty percent of the students are absent.
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Half of the cake is missing.
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Half of the apples are fresh.
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One-third of the population lives in cities.
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One-third of the employees work remotely.
The verb form depends on the noun that the fraction or percentage describes.
Rule 16: A Number of vs. The Number of
The expressions a number of and the number of follow different subject-verb agreement patterns.
A number of means several and takes a plural verb when followed by a plural countable noun.
Examples:
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A number of students are absent.
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A number of employees have applied.
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A number of books are missing.
The number of refers to a specific total or quantity and takes a singular verb.
Examples:
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The number of students is increasing.
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The number of applicants has doubled.
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The number of visitors is growing.
Important: The difference between a number of and the number of affects the verb form, even though both expressions are followed by plural nouns.
Rule 17: Sentences Beginning with There or Here
When a sentence begins with there or here, the verb agrees with the actual subject, which usually appears after the verb.
Examples:
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There is a book on the table.
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There are three books on the table.
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Here comes the bus.
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Here come the students.
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There was a problem.
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There were several problems.
In these sentences, there and here are not the grammatical subjects. The verb agrees with the noun or noun phrase that follows it.
Common Mistake:
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Incorrect: There is many students in the classroom.
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Correct: There are many students in the classroom.
The plural subject many students requires the plural verb are.
Common Subject-Verb Agreement Mistakes
Subject-verb agreement mistakes often occur when learners confuse singular and plural subjects or choose verbs based on nearby nouns rather than the actual subject. These errors are especially common in sentences containing prepositional phrases, compound subjects, and indefinite pronouns.
Here are some common subject-verb agreement mistakes and how to correct them.
1. Using a Plural Verb with a Singular Subject
A common mistake is using a plural verb form with a third-person singular subject in the simple present tense.
Incorrect: She work in a hospital.
Correct: She works in a hospital.
Explanation: The singular subject she requires the verb works in the simple present tense.
2. Using a Singular Verb with a Plural Subject
Plural subjects generally take the base form of regular verbs in the simple present tense.
Incorrect: The students studies English.
Correct: The students study English.
Explanation: The plural subject students requires the verb study, not studies.
3. Confusing the Subject with a Nearby Noun
When a prepositional phrase appears between the subject and verb, learners sometimes choose the verb based on the noun inside the phrase.
Incorrect: The box of chocolates are on the table.
Correct: The box of chocolates is on the table.
Explanation: The main subject is box, not chocolates. Since box is singular, the verb must be is.
4. Using the Wrong Verb with Compound Subjects
Two subjects joined by and usually require a plural verb.
Incorrect: My brother and sister lives in London.
Correct: My brother and sister live in London.
Explanation: The compound subject my brother and sister refers to two people, so it takes the plural verb live.
5. Making Mistakes with Either…Or and Neither…Nor
When subjects are joined by either…or or neither…nor, the verb generally agrees with the subject closest to it.
Incorrect: Neither the students nor the teacher are ready.
Correct: Neither the students nor the teacher is ready.
Explanation: The singular subject teacher is closest to the verb, so is is correct.
6. Using Plural Verbs with Singular Indefinite Pronouns
Indefinite pronouns such as everyone, someone, anybody, and nobody take singular verbs.
Incorrect: Everyone have a notebook.
Correct: Everyone has a notebook.
Explanation: Everyone is grammatically singular, so it takes the singular verb has.
7. Confusing There Is and There Are
In sentences beginning with there, the verb must agree with the subject that follows it.
Incorrect: There is five books on the shelf.
Correct: There are five books on the shelf.
Explanation: The subject five books is plural, so the correct verb is are.
8. Using the Wrong Verb with Uncountable Nouns
Uncountable nouns generally take singular verbs, even when they refer to large quantities.
Incorrect: The information are useful.
Correct: The information is useful.
Explanation: Information is an uncountable noun and takes the singular verb is.
Common Subject-Verb Agreement Errors: Quick Comparison
The following table summarizes common mistakes and their corrections.
| Incorrect Sentence | Correct Sentence |
|---|---|
| He go to school. | He goes to school. |
| They plays football. | They play football. |
| The list of items are long. | The list of items is long. |
| My parents lives here. | My parents live here. |
| Everyone have a chance. | Everyone has a chance. |
| There is many reasons. | There are many reasons. |
| The furniture are expensive. | The furniture is expensive. |
| Each student have a book. | Each student has a book. |
| The number of visitors are increasing. | The number of visitors is increasing. |
| A number of students is absent. | A number of students are absent. |
Tip: To avoid subject-verb agreement mistakes, first identify the main subject of the sentence. Then determine whether it is singular or plural and choose the appropriate verb form.
Subject-Verb Agreement Examples in Sentences
Understanding subject-verb agreement becomes easier when you see how subjects and verbs work together in sentences. The following examples demonstrate how singular subjects, plural subjects, compound subjects, collective nouns, and indefinite pronouns agree with their verbs.
1. Examples with Singular Subjects
Singular subjects generally take singular verbs. In the simple present tense, third-person singular subjects usually take verbs ending in -s or -es.
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She writes a letter every week.
-
The boy plays football after school.
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My father works in a hospital.
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The cat sleeps on the sofa.
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He watches television every evening.
2. Examples with Plural Subjects
Plural subjects generally take plural verb forms. In the simple present tense, they use the base form of most verbs.
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They write letters every week.
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The boys play football after school.
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My parents work in a hospital.
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The cats sleep on the sofa.
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The children watch television every evening.
3. Examples with Compound Subjects
Compound subjects contain two or more subjects connected by words such as and, or, or nor.
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John and Mary are classmates.
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My brother and sister study English.
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Either the teacher or the students are responsible.
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Neither the players nor the coach is available.
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Reading and writing are essential skills.
4. Examples with Collective Nouns
Collective nouns refer to groups of people, animals, or things. In American English, they usually take singular verbs when the group is considered one unit.
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The team is preparing for the match.
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My family lives in California.
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The committee has approved the proposal.
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The audience enjoys the performance.
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The class begins at nine o’clock.
5. Examples with Indefinite Pronouns
Indefinite pronouns can be singular or plural depending on the pronoun and its meaning.
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Everyone is ready for the lesson.
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Somebody has forgotten a bag.
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Nobody knows the answer.
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Several have completed the assignment.
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Both are correct.
6. Examples with Special Agreement Patterns
Some expressions require particular verb forms because of their structure or meaning.
-
The news is surprising.
-
Mathematics is an important subject.
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Ten dollars is enough for lunch.
-
There are five students in the classroom.
-
Each of the players has a uniform.
Subject-Verb Agreement Examples: Quick Reference
| Subject Type | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| Singular subject | The student studies English. |
| Plural subject | The students study English. |
| Compound subject | Tom and Jerry are friends. |
| Collective noun | The team is ready. |
| Singular indefinite pronoun | Everyone has a book. |
| Plural indefinite pronoun | Several are absent. |
| Uncountable noun | The information is useful. |
| Amount of money | Fifty dollars is enough. |
| There + plural subject | There are many books. |
| Each + singular agreement | Each student has a notebook. |
These examples show how subject-verb agreement changes according to the grammatical structure and meaning of the subject. Regular practice will help you recognize these patterns and use the correct verb forms in speaking and writing.
Conclusion
Subject-verb agreement is an essential part of English grammar that helps you form clear and grammatically correct sentences. Understanding how singular and plural subjects agree with verbs can improve your accuracy in both speaking and writing.
In this guide, you learned the basic rules of subject-verb agreement, important exceptions, common mistakes, and practical examples. Remember to pay special attention to compound subjects, collective nouns, indefinite pronouns, and expressions that require different verb forms.
The best way to master subject-verb agreement is through regular practice. Review the rules, complete the exercises, and use what you have learned when writing and speaking English. With consistent practice, you can become more confident in choosing the correct verb forms.
Subject-Verb Agreement FAQs
1. What is subject-verb agreement in simple words?
Subject-verb agreement means that the subject and verb in a sentence must match in number and person. For example, “She plays football” uses a singular subject and verb, while “They play football” uses a plural subject and verb.
2. What are the basic rules of subject-verb agreement?
The basic rule is that singular subjects take singular verbs, while plural subjects take plural verbs. In the simple present tense, third-person singular subjects usually take verbs ending in -s or -es. For example, “He works” and “They work.”
3. What are five examples of subject-verb agreement?
Here are five examples:
-
She reads books every day.
-
They play football.
-
The teacher explains the lesson.
-
Everyone has a notebook.
-
The children are happy.
Each sentence uses a verb that agrees with its subject.
4. What is the most common subject-verb agreement mistake?
One common mistake is using a verb that agrees with a nearby noun instead of the main subject. For example, “The box of chocolates are on the table” is incorrect. The correct sentence is “The box of chocolates is on the table” because box is singular.
5. How does subject-verb agreement work with collective nouns?
Collective nouns refer to groups of people or things. In American English, they usually take singular verbs when the group acts as one unit. For example, “The team is ready.” In British English, some collective nouns can also take plural verbs when referring to individual members.
6. Do indefinite pronouns take singular or plural verbs?
It depends on the pronoun. Everyone, someone, and nobody take singular verbs, while both, few, and several take plural verbs. Some pronouns, such as some and most, can take either form depending on the noun they refer to.
7. What is the difference between subject-verb agreement and verb tense?
Subject-verb agreement determines the correct verb form based on the subject, while verb tense indicates when an action happens. For example, “She works” and “They work” demonstrate subject-verb agreement, while “She works” and “She worked” demonstrate a difference in tense.
8. How can I improve my subject-verb agreement?
Start by identifying the main subject and verb in each sentence. Learn the basic rules, review common exceptions, and practice writing sentences with singular and plural subjects. Completing grammar exercises and checking your mistakes regularly can also improve your accuracy.
I hope this article helped you to learn what subject-verb agreement is, rules of subject-verb agreement and practical tips to avoid mistakes in your English communication.
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