Subject-verb agreement is a fundamental aspect of English grammar that ensures your sentences are clear, coherent, and grammatically correct. It dictates that a verb must agree in number (singular or plural) with its subject.
While seemingly simple, mastering subject-verb agreement can be challenging due to various exceptions, irregular verbs, and complex sentence structures. This comprehensive guide is designed to provide a thorough understanding of subject-verb agreement, covering its definition, rules, common mistakes, and advanced topics.
Whether you’re a student learning English, a writer aiming for polished prose, or simply someone looking to improve your grammar skills, this article will equip you with the knowledge and practice you need to confidently apply subject-verb agreement in your writing and speech.
This article will break down the complexities of subject-verb agreement into manageable sections, providing numerous examples, practice exercises, and detailed explanations to solidify your understanding. By the end of this guide, you’ll be able to identify and correct errors in subject-verb agreement, ensuring your communication is both accurate and effective.
Table of Contents
- Definition of Subject-Verb Agreement
- Structural Breakdown
- Types of Subjects
- Examples of Subject-Verb Agreement
- Usage Rules for Subject-Verb Agreement
- Common Mistakes in Subject-Verb Agreement
- Practice Exercises
- Advanced Topics in Subject-Verb Agreement
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
Definition of Subject-Verb Agreement
Subject-verb agreement is the grammatical rule that the verb in a sentence must agree in number with its subject. This means that a singular subject takes a singular verb, and a plural subject takes a plural verb.
This agreement is essential for constructing grammatically correct and easily understandable sentences.
In English, the present tense is where subject-verb agreement is most noticeable. For most verbs, the singular form adds an “-s” or “-es” to the base form, while the plural form remains the base form. However, the verb “to be” has different forms for singular and plural subjects (is, are, am, was, were).
Classification and Function
Subject-verb agreement falls under the broader category of grammatical agreement, which also includes noun-pronoun agreement and adjective-noun agreement. Its primary function is to ensure clarity and coherence in communication.
When the subject and verb agree, the sentence is grammatically sound and easier to understand. Conversely, errors in subject-verb agreement can lead to confusion and misinterpretation.
Contexts of Subject-Verb Agreement
Subject-verb agreement applies in all types of writing and speech, from formal academic papers to casual conversations. It is particularly important in formal writing, where grammatical accuracy is highly valued.
In spoken English, minor errors in subject-verb agreement may be tolerated, but consistent errors can detract from the speaker’s credibility. In academic or professional settings, adhering to subject-verb agreement is crucial for conveying professionalism and competence.
Structural Breakdown
Understanding the structure of a sentence is essential for identifying the subject and verb and ensuring they agree. The basic sentence structure in English is Subject-Verb-Object (SVO), although variations exist.
Identifying the Subject
The subject of a sentence is the noun or pronoun that performs the action of the verb. It usually appears before the verb. Identifying the subject can sometimes be tricky, especially in complex sentences with phrases or clauses separating the subject and verb.
Identifying the Verb
The verb expresses the action or state of being in a sentence. It must agree in number with the subject. Verbs can be action verbs (e.g., run, jump, eat) or linking verbs (e.g., is, are, was, were, seem).
Simple vs. Compound Subjects
A simple subject is a single noun or pronoun. A compound subject consists of two or more nouns or pronouns joined by a conjunction such as “and,” “or,” or “nor.” Compound subjects connected by “and” usually take a plural verb, while those connected by “or” or “nor” require the verb to agree with the subject closest to it.
Phrases and Clauses
Phrases and clauses can sometimes obscure the subject and verb, making it difficult to determine the correct verb form. It’s important to identify the main subject of the sentence, ignoring any intervening phrases or clauses.
Types of Subjects
Different types of subjects require different considerations when ensuring subject-verb agreement.
Singular Subjects
A singular subject refers to one person, place, thing, or idea. Singular subjects take singular verbs.
Plural Subjects
A plural subject refers to more than one person, place, thing, or idea. Plural subjects take plural verbs.
Collective Nouns
Collective nouns refer to a group of individuals or things (e.g., team, family, committee). They can be either singular or plural, depending on whether the group is acting as a unit or as individual members. If the group is acting as a unit, the collective noun takes a singular verb. If the members of the group are acting individually, the collective noun takes a plural verb.
Indefinite Pronouns
Indefinite pronouns refer to unspecified persons or things (e.g., everyone, someone, nobody, each, every, some, all, none). Some indefinite pronouns are always singular (e.g., each, every, everyone, someone, nobody), while others can be singular or plural depending on the context (e.g., some, all, none).
Compound Subjects
As mentioned earlier, compound subjects consist of two or more nouns or pronouns. The verb form depends on the conjunction used to connect the subjects.
Examples of Subject-Verb Agreement
Here are some examples illustrating subject-verb agreement with different types of subjects.
Singular Subjects
The following table provides examples of singular subjects and their corresponding singular verbs.
| Subject | Verb | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| He | is | He is a talented musician. |
| She | works | She works at the local library. |
| It | rains | It rains frequently in the spring. |
| The dog | barks | The dog barks at strangers. |
| My mother | cooks | My mother cooks delicious meals. |
| This book | is | This book is very interesting. |
| John | plays | John plays the guitar. |
| Mary | studies | Mary studies hard for her exams. |
| The car | needs | The car needs to be washed. |
| The house | looks | The house looks beautiful in the sunlight. |
| Each student | has | Each student has a unique perspective. |
| Every child | wants | Every child wants to play. |
| Someone | is | Someone is knocking at the door. |
| Nobody | knows | Nobody knows the answer. |
| Anyone | is welcome | Anyone is welcome to join us. |
| The idea | seems | The idea seems promising. |
| The song | sounds | The song sounds beautiful. |
| This apple | tastes | This apple tastes sweet. |
| That building | stands | That building stands tall. |
| The teacher | explains | The teacher explains the lesson clearly. |
| The author | writes | The author writes compelling stories. |
| The artist | paints | The artist paints beautiful landscapes. |
| The musician | performs | The musician performs with passion. |
Plural Subjects
The following table provides examples of plural subjects and their corresponding plural verbs.
| Subject | Verb | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| They | are | They are going to the park. |
| We | have | We have finished the project. |
| You | are | You are always welcome here. |
| The dogs | bark | The dogs bark at the mailman. |
| My parents | live | My parents live in another city. |
| These books | are | These books are very informative. |
| John and Mary | play | John and Mary play tennis together. |
| The cars | need | The cars need to be repaired. |
| The houses | look | The houses look identical. |
| Students | study | Students study in the library. |
| Children | play | Children play in the playground. |
| Some people | believe | Some people believe in ghosts. |
| All of us | agree | All of us agree with the decision. |
| Those ideas | seem | Those ideas seem unrealistic. |
| The songs | sound | The songs sound amazing. |
| These apples | taste | These apples taste delicious. |
| Those buildings | stand | Those buildings stand in a row. |
| Teachers | explain | Teachers explain complex concepts. |
| Authors | write | Authors write about various topics. |
| Artists | paint | Artists paint beautiful artworks. |
| Musicians | perform | Musicians perform at concerts. |
| The actors | rehearse | The actors rehearse for the play. |
| The dancers | practice | The dancers practice their routines. |
Collective Nouns
This table illustrates subject-verb agreement with collective nouns.
| Subject | Verb (Singular) | Verb (Plural) | Example Sentence (Singular) | Example Sentence (Plural) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The team | is | are | The team is playing well. | The team are arguing about their roles. |
| The family | is | are | The family is planning a vacation. | The family are deciding on their individual destinations. |
| The committee | has | have | The committee has made a decision. | The committee have different opinions on the matter. |
| The audience | is | are | The audience is enjoying the show. | The audience are clapping and cheering loudly. |
| The class | is | are | The class is taking a test. | The class are working on different projects. |
| The jury | has | have | The jury has reached a verdict. | The jury have been deliberating for hours. |
| The crowd | is | are | The crowd is getting restless. | The crowd are dispersing after the event. |
| The group | is | are | The group is working together. | The group are sharing their ideas. |
| The staff | is | are | The staff is well-trained. | The staff are taking their breaks. |
Indefinite Pronouns
Here are examples using indefinite pronouns as subjects.
| Subject | Verb | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Everyone | is | Everyone is welcome to the party. |
| Someone | has | Someone has left their umbrella. |
| Nobody | knows | Nobody knows the answer to that question. |
| Each | has | Each has a different opinion. |
| Every | is | Every student is required to attend. |
| Some (of the cake) | is | Some of the cake is gone. |
| Some (of the students) | are | Some of the students are absent. |
| All (of the water) | is | All of the water is clean. |
| All (of the books) | are | All of the books are interesting. |
| None (of the food) | is | None of the food is left. |
| None (of the apples) | are | None of the apples are ripe. |
| Anything | is | Anything is possible. |
| Something | is | Something is wrong. |
| Nothing | is | Nothing is certain. |
Usage Rules for Subject-Verb Agreement
Several rules govern subject-verb agreement, including exceptions and special cases.
Basic Rule: Singular vs. Plural
The most basic rule is that a singular subject takes a singular verb, and a plural subject takes a plural verb. This rule applies to most sentences.
Compound Subjects with “and”
When two or more subjects are joined by “and,” they usually take a plural verb. However, if the subjects refer to a single entity or idea, they take a singular verb.
Compound Subjects with “or” or “nor”
When two or more subjects are joined by “or” or “nor,” the verb agrees with the subject closest to it.
Intervening Phrases and Clauses
Phrases and clauses that come between the subject and verb do not affect subject-verb agreement. It’s important to identify the main subject and ensure the verb agrees with it.
Sentences Beginning with “There” or “Here”
In sentences that begin with “there” or “here,” the subject follows the verb. The verb must agree with the subject that follows it.
Titles of Works and Names of Companies
The titles of books, movies, and songs, as well as the names of companies, are usually treated as singular, even if they appear to be plural.
Units of Measurement and Amounts of Money
Units of measurement and amounts of money are usually treated as singular when they refer to a single quantity or sum.
Common Mistakes in Subject-Verb Agreement
Errors in subject-verb agreement are common, even among native English speakers. Here are some frequent mistakes and how to correct them.
Ignoring Intervening Phrases
Incorrect: The box of chocolates are on the table.
Correct: The box of chocolates is on the table.
Explanation: The subject is “box,” which is singular. The phrase “of chocolates” does not affect the verb agreement.
Incorrect Use of Collective Nouns
Incorrect: The team are playing very well as a unit.
Correct: The team is playing very well as a unit.
Explanation: When the team acts as a unit, it takes a singular verb.
Confusing Indefinite Pronouns
Incorrect: Everyone are invited to the party.
Correct: Everyone is invited to the party.
Explanation: “Everyone” is a singular indefinite pronoun and takes a singular verb.
Errors with Compound Subjects
Incorrect: My brother and I is going to the movies.
Correct: My brother and I are going to the movies.
Explanation: “My brother and I” is a compound subject joined by “and,” so it takes a plural verb.
Misidentifying the Subject
Incorrect: One of the students are going on a field trip.
Correct: One of the students is going on a field trip.
Explanation: The subject is “one,” which is singular. The phrase “of the students” does not change the subject.
More examples of common mistakes:
Incorrect: The data is incomplete.
Correct: The data are incomplete. (In formal writing, “data” is often treated as plural.)
Explanation: While increasingly accepted as singular, traditionally “data” is plural.
Incorrect: Mathematics are my favorite subject.
Correct: Mathematics is my favorite subject.
Explanation: Subjects ending in “-ics” are generally singular.
Incorrect: There is many reasons to be happy.
Correct: There are many reasons to be happy.
Explanation: The subject “reasons” is plural, so the verb must also be plural.
Incorrect: Neither John nor his friends is available.
Correct: Neither John nor his friends are available.
Explanation: The verb agrees with the closest subject, which is “friends” (plural).
Practice Exercises
Test your understanding of subject-verb agreement with these exercises. Choose the correct verb form in each sentence.
Exercise 1: Basic Agreement
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. The dog (barks/bark) loudly. | barks |
| 2. They (is/are) going to the beach. | are |
| 3. She (has/have) a new car. | has |
| 4. We (was/were) at the park yesterday. | were |
| 5. He (plays/play) the guitar. | plays |
| 6. The students (studies/study) hard. | study |
| 7. It (rains/rain) often in the spring. | rains |
| 8. You (is/are) always right. | are |
| 9. My mother (cooks/cook) delicious meals. | cooks |
| 10. The birds (sings/sing) in the morning. | sing |
Exercise 2: Compound Subjects
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. John and Mary (is/are) coming to the party. | are |
| 2. My brother and I (am/are) going to the movies. | are |
| 3. Neither the cat nor the dogs (is/are) allowed inside. | are |
| 4. Either John or Mary (is/are) going to pick you up. | is |
| 5. The bed and breakfast (is/are) a charming place to stay. | is |
| 6. Bread and butter (is/are) a common breakfast. | is |
| 7. Peanut butter and jelly (is/are) my favorite sandwich. | is |
| 8. Neither the students nor the teacher (was/were) happy about the test. | was |
| 9. Both the book and the movie (was/were) excellent. | were |
| 10. The singer and songwriter (is/are) performing tonight. | is |
Exercise 3: Collective Nouns and Indefinite Pronouns
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. The team (is/are) practicing hard for the game. | is |
| 2. The family (is/are) planning a vacation. | is |
| 3. Everyone (is/are) invited to the event. | is |
| 4. Someone (has/have) left their keys on the table. | has |
| 5. The committee (has/have) made a decision. | has |
| 6. Nobody (knows/know) the answer. | knows |
| 7. All of the cake (is/are) gone. | is |
| 8. Some of the students (is/are) absent. | are |
| 9. Each (has/have) a different opinion. | has |
| 10. Every student (is/are) required to attend. | is |
Exercise 4: More practice
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. The quality of the apples (is/are) not good. | is |
| 2. The effects of the medicine (is/are) significant. | are |
| 3. A number of students (is/are) going on the trip. | are |
| 4. The number of students (is/are) increasing. | is |
| 5. Physics (is/are) a challenging subject. | is |
| 6. The news (is/are) very concerning. | is |
| 7. Five dollars (is/are) not enough to buy lunch. | is |
| 8. Twenty miles (is/are) a long distance to walk. | is |
| 9. The United States (is/are) a powerful country. | is |
| 10. The scissors (is/are) on the table. | are |
Advanced Topics in Subject-Verb Agreement
For advanced learners, here are some more complex aspects of subject-verb agreement.
Relative Clauses
In relative clauses introduced by “who,” “which,” or “that,” the verb must agree with the antecedent (the noun or pronoun that the relative pronoun refers to).
Inverted Sentences
In inverted sentences, where the verb comes before the subject, it’s important to identify the subject correctly to ensure agreement.
Subjunctive Mood
The subjunctive mood is used to express wishes, suggestions, or hypothetical situations. In the subjunctive mood, the verb form may differ from the indicative mood.
Titles and Organizations
When using titles of books, movies, or organizations, treat them as singular even if they contain plural words.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about subject-verb agreement.
1. What is subject-verb agreement, and why is it important?
Subject-verb agreement is the grammatical rule that the verb in a sentence must agree in number with its subject. It’s important because it ensures clarity and coherence in communication.
Correct subject-verb agreement makes sentences grammatically sound and easier to understand, enhancing the overall quality of writing and speech.
2. How do I identify the subject and verb in a sentence?
The subject is the noun or pronoun that performs the action of the verb. It usually appears before the verb.
The verb expresses the action or state of being. To identify them, first, look for the main action or state being described in the sentence.
The verb will express this. Then, determine who or what is performing that action or existing in that state.
That is your subject.
3. What are collective nouns, and how do they affect subject-verb agreement?
Collective nouns refer to a group of individuals or things (e.g., team, family, committee). They can be singular or plural, depending on whether the group is acting as a unit or as individual members. If the group is acting as a unit, the collective noun takes a singular verb. If the members of the group are acting individually, the collective noun takes a plural verb.
4. How do indefinite pronouns affect subject-verb agreement?
Indefinite pronouns refer to unspecified persons or things (e.g., everyone, someone, nobody, each, every). Some are always singular (e.g., each, every, everyone, someone, nobody), while others can be singular or plural depending on the context (e.g., some, all, none). It is important to remember which indefinite pronouns are singular and plural.
5. What if phrases or clauses come between the subject and verb?
Phrases and clauses that come between the subject and verb do not affect subject-verb agreement. You should identify the main subject of the sentence and ensure the verb agrees with it, ignoring any intervening phrases or clauses.
6. How do I handle compound subjects joined by “and,” “or,” or “nor”?
When two or more subjects are joined by “and,” they usually take a plural verb. However, if the subjects refer to a single entity or idea, they take a singular verb.
When joined by “or” or “nor,” the verb agrees with the subject closest to it.
7. Are there any exceptions to the basic rules of subject-verb agreement?
Yes, there are exceptions. Titles of works and names of companies are usually treated as singular.
Units of measurement and amounts of money are usually treated as singular when they refer to a single quantity or sum. Certain words like “data” have evolving usage patterns (traditionally plural, increasingly accepted as singular).
8. How can I improve my subject-verb agreement skills?
Practice is key. Review the rules and examples provided in this guide.
Complete practice exercises to reinforce your understanding. Pay close attention to subject-verb agreement when reading and writing.
Seek feedback from teachers, editors, or language partners. With consistent effort, you can improve your subject-verb agreement skills.
Conclusion
Mastering subject-verb agreement is crucial for effective communication in English. By understanding the basic rules, identifying different types of subjects, and avoiding common mistakes, you can ensure your sentences are grammatically correct and easily understood.
This comprehensive guide has provided you with the knowledge and practice you need to confidently apply subject-verb agreement in your writing and speech.
Remember to practice regularly, pay attention to detail, and seek feedback when needed. With consistent effort, you can improve your subject-verb agreement skills and enhance the overall quality of your communication.
Keep practicing with various exercises and real-world examples to solidify your understanding. Consistent application and attention to detail will make subject-verb agreement a natural part of your writing and speaking process.