Subject-verb agreement is a fundamental aspect of English grammar that ensures clarity and precision in communication. It dictates that the verb in a sentence must correspond in number with its subject; singular subjects pair with singular verbs, while plural subjects require plural verbs. Understanding and applying this rule is crucial for constructing sentences that are both grammatically correct and easily understood. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the essential rules of subject-verb agreement, highlight common mistakes, and provide practical exercises to help you master this vital component of English grammar.
What is a Subject-Verb Agreement?
Definition
Subject-verb agreement refers to the grammatical rule that the verb in a sentence must agree in number with its subject. In simple terms:
- Singular subjects take singular verbs.
- Plural subjects take plural verbs.
Download: Understanding Subject-Verb Agreement
Let’s look at some examples:
- Singular: “The cat runs quickly.”
- Plural: “The cats run quickly.”
This agreement helps maintain grammatical consistency and clarity in writing and speech. When the subject and verb do not agree, sentences can sound awkward or confusing.
Why Subject-Verb Agreement Matters?
Proper subject-verb agreement is essential for clear communication. It helps readers and listeners understand who or what is performing an action and ensures that sentences are grammatically correct. Incorrect agreement can lead to misunderstandings or make writing appear unprofessional.
Consider the difference:
❌ “The dog bark at strangers.”
✅ “The dog barks at strangers.”
❌ “My friends is coming over.”
✅ “My friends are coming over.”
Even a small mistake in subject-verb agreement can disrupt the meaning of a sentence. By following this rule, writers and speakers can create clear, grammatically accurate statements that are easy to understand.
Basic Rules of Subject-Verb Agreement
Understanding the fundamental rules of subject-verb agreement is essential for constructing grammatically correct sentences. Below are key rules to follow:
1. Singular and Plural Subjects
A singular subject takes a singular verb, while a plural subject takes a plural verb.
Examples:
❌ “The dog bark at strangers.”
✅ “The dog barks at strangers.”
❌ “The children plays in the park.”
✅ “The children play in the park.”
Download: Rules of Subject-Verb Agreement
2. Compound Subjects
When two or more singular subjects are connected by “and,” they typically require a plural verb.
Examples:
❌ “Jack and Jill is going to the market.”
✅ “Jack and Jill are going to the market.”
❌ “My brother and my sister loves pizza.”
✅ “My brother and my sister love pizza.”
3. Singular Subjects Joined by “or” or “nor”
When two singular subjects are joined by “or” or “nor”, use a singular verb. If a singular subject and a plural subject are joined by “or” or “nor”, the verb agrees with the subject closest to it.
Examples:
❌ “Neither the teacher nor the student are in the classroom.”
✅ “Neither the teacher nor the student is in the classroom.”
❌ “Either the dog or the cats is making noise.”
✅ “Either the dog or the cats are making noise.”
4. Indefinite Pronouns as Subjects
Some indefinite pronouns are always singular, while others are always plural.
- Singular Indefinite Pronouns: each, someone, everyone, anybody, nobody, nothing → use a singular verb.
- Plural Indefinite Pronouns: few, many, several, both → use a plural verb.
Examples:
❌ “Everybody love a good book.”
✅ “Everybody loves a good book.”
❌ “Many was excited about the event.”
✅ “Many were excited about the event.”
Download: Indefinite Pronouns and Subject-Verb Agreement
Advanced Subject-Verb Agreement Rules
1. Collective Nouns
Collective nouns like “team,” “group,” “family,” “committee” can take either singular or plural verbs based on whether the group acts as one unit or as individuals.
Examples:
- “The team is winning its games.” (acting as a unit)
- “The team are arguing among themselves.” (acting as individuals)
2. Phrases Between Subject and Verb
Phrases that come between the subject and verb do not affect agreement.
Examples:
❌ “The bouquet of flowers are beautiful.”
✅ “The bouquet of flowers is beautiful.”
❌ “The list of participants have been updated.”
✅ “The list of participants has been updated.”
Download: Phrases Between Subject and Verb
3. “There is” and “There are” Follow the Subject
In sentences starting with “there is” or “there are,” the verb agrees with the subject that follows it.
Examples:
- “There is a book on the table.”
- “There are several books on the table.”
4. Amounts and Quantities
Amounts, fractions, percentages, or units of measurement often take a singular verb when considered a single entity, but can take a plural verb when referring to individual items.
Examples:
- “Fifty dollars is too much for this item.”
- “Two-thirds of the voters are in favor of the proposal.”
Avoid Common Subject-Verb Agreement Errors
Subject-verb agreement can sometimes be tricky, leading to common errors in writing and speech. Below, we’ll explore the most frequent mistakes people make and how to avoid them.
Download: Common Subject-verb agreement Errors Worksheet
1. Misidentifying the Subject
Writers may mistake words in a prepositional phrase for the subject.
❌ “The list of items are on the desk.”
✅ “The list of items is on the desk.”
Remember, the subject is the noun or pronoun the sentence is about – not the nouns in modifying phrases.
2. Confusion with Compound Subjects
When compound subjects are joined by “and,” they usually require a plural verb. However, if the compound subject refers to a single entity, a singular verb is needed.
❌ “Peanut butter and jelly are my favorite snack.”
✅ “Peanut butter and jelly is my favorite snack.”
Tip: Consider whether the subjects refer to a singular idea or multiple entities.
3. Errors with Indefinite Pronouns
Indefinite pronouns such as “everyone,” “anyone,” “each,” and “nobody” are singular and require singular verbs. However, their plural-sounding nature often confuses writers.
❌ “Everyone have their own opinion.”
✅ “Everyone has their own opinion.”
Tip: Memorize the list of singular indefinite pronouns and pair them with singular verbs.
4. Proximity Errors
When subjects are joined by “or” or “nor,” the verb must agree with the subject nearest to it.
❌ “Either the students or the teacher are responsible for the mess.”
✅ “Either the students or the teacher is responsible for the mess.”
Tip: Rearrange the sentence to ensure clarity or double-check the proximity of the subject and verb.
Subject-Verb Agreement Practice Exercises
Test your understanding of subject-verb agreement with these practice exercises. Choose the correct verb to complete each sentence. Answers are provided at the end.
Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks
- The list of items ___ (is/are) on the desk.
- Either the teacher or the students ___ (has/have) to attend the meeting.
- Everyone ___ (enjoy/enjoys) the holiday party.
- The team ___ (is/are) preparing for their next match.
- Neither of the answers ___ (is/are) correct.
- The dogs, along with the cat, ___ (bark/barks) loudly at night.
- There ___ (is/are) several options to consider.
- The family ___ (is/are) arguing about where to go for dinner.
- Each of the players ___ (has/have) a unique skill.
- The captain and the coach ___ (is/are) discussing the game plan.
Download: Subject-Verb Agreement Practice Worksheet
Answers:
- is
- have
- enjoys
- is
- is
- bark
- are
- are
- has
- are
Exercise 2: Identify Errors
Find and correct the subject-verb agreement errors in the following sentences:
- The bouquet of flowers are beautiful.
- Everybody have their own way of solving problems.
- The committee are meeting to discuss the issue.
- Neither the manager nor the employees was aware of the changes.
- Ten dollars are too much to pay for this item.
Download: Identify Subject-Verb Agreement Errors Worksheet
Answers:
- Correct: The bouquet of flowers is beautiful.
- Correct: Everybody has their own way of solving problems.
- Correct: The committee is meeting to discuss the issue.
- Correct: Neither the manager nor the employees were aware of the changes.
- Correct: Ten dollars is too much to pay for this item.
Regular practice will help reinforce your understanding and improve your grammar skills. For more exercises, explore the subject-verb agreement worksheets available at Worksheetzone!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is subject-verb agreement, and why is it important?
Subject-verb agreement refers to the rule that the verb in a sentence must agree in number with its subject. It is important because it ensures clarity and correctness in communication, making sentences easier to understand.
2. What are the exceptions to subject-verb agreement rules?
Some exceptions include:
- Collective nouns can take singular or plural verbs based on context.
- Quantities like “two-thirds of the cake” can take a verb that matches the noun following “of.“
- Titles of books, movies, or other works use singular verbs, even if plural in form.
3. What is the correct verb to use with indefinite pronouns?
Indefinite pronouns like “everyone,” “anyone,” “each,” and “somebody” are singular and require singular verbs. Example: “Everyone is excited about the event.”
4. How do I determine the subject in complex sentences?
To identify the subject, ignore modifiers or intervening phrases and focus on the main noun.
Example: “The book, along with its sequels, is on the shelf.”
Here, “book” is the subject, not “sequels.“
In Summary
Mastering subject-verb agreement is vital for writing clear, effective, and grammatically correct sentences. By understanding the rules, avoiding common mistakes, and practicing regularly, you can enhance your communication skills significantly.
To continue building your skills, explore our curated verbs worksheets at Worksheetzone to reinforce your learning!
