Subject-Verb Agreement

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Subject-Verb Agreement


Subject-verb agreement means that the subject and verb in a sentence must agree in number—both must be singular or both must be plural. Here are some key rules, with examples for clarity:

1. Singular Subjects with Singular Verbs

  • If the subject is singular, the verb should be singular.
  • Example: "The dog barks loudly."
    Here, "dog" is a singular subject, so we use the singular verb "barks."

2. Plural Subjects with Plural Verbs

  • If the subject is plural, the verb should be plural.
  • Example: "The dogs bark loudly."
    Here, "dogs" is a plural subject, so we use the plural verb "bark."

3. Subjects Joined by "And" Require a Plural Verb

  • When two or more subjects are joined by "and," use a plural verb.
  • Example: "John and Sarah are attending the concert."
    "John and Sarah" are two subjects, so we use the plural verb "are."

4. Singular Subjects Joined by "Or" or "Nor" Take a Singular Verb

  • When two singular subjects are joined by "or" or "nor," use a singular verb.
  • Example: "Either the teacher or the student is responsible."

5. When a Singular and a Plural Subject Are Joined by "Or" or "Nor"

  • The verb should agree with the subject closest to it.
  • Example: "Either the students or the teacher has the keys."
    Here, "teacher" is singular and closer to the verb, so we use the singular verb "has."

6. Indefinite Pronouns as Subjects

  • Indefinite pronouns like everyone, each, nobody, and anyone are singular and take singular verbs.
  • Example: "Everyone enjoys the festival."
    "Everyone" is singular, so we use the singular verb "enjoys."

7. Collective Nouns (e.g., team, family, group)

  • Collective nouns are usually singular in form but represent a group, so they take a singular verb.
  • Example: "The team is ready for the match."
    "Team" is a collective noun and takes the singular verb "is."

8. "There is" and "There are" Constructions

  • Use "is" when the noun following it is singular and "are" when it is plural.
  • Example: "There is a book on the table."
    • "There are books on the table."

By following these rules, you ensure correct subject-verb agreement, making sentences grammatically accurate and easier to understand.

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