Subject-Verb Agreement: Mastering Grammatical Harmony

Subject-verb agreement is a fundamental aspect of English grammar, ensuring clarity and coherence in writing and speech. It dictates that a verb must match its subject in number (singular or plural).

Mastering this concept is crucial for effective communication, as errors in subject-verb agreement can lead to confusion and misinterpretation. This article provides a comprehensive guide to understanding and applying the rules of subject-verb agreement, suitable for English language learners of all levels, from beginners to advanced speakers seeking to refine their grammatical accuracy.

Whether you’re writing an academic paper, crafting a professional email, or simply engaging in everyday conversation, a solid grasp of subject-verb agreement will significantly enhance the quality and credibility of your communication. By understanding the principles outlined in this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to avoid common errors and express yourself with confidence and precision.

Table of Contents

• Definition of Subject-Verb Agreement
• Structural Breakdown
• Types of Subject-Verb Agreement
• Examples of Subject-Verb Agreement
• Usage Rules
• Common Mistakes
• Practice Exercises
• Advanced Topics
• FAQ
• Conclusion

Definition of Subject-Verb Agreement

Subject-verb agreement, at its core, means that the verb in a sentence must agree in number with its subject. If the subject is singular, the verb must be singular.

If the subject is plural, the verb must be plural. This agreement ensures grammatical correctness and clarity in communication.

It is a fundamental aspect of English syntax, influencing how sentences are constructed and understood.

The subject of a sentence is the noun or pronoun that performs the action or is described by the verb. The verb is the action word or state of being in the sentence. The agreement between these two elements is essential for creating grammatically sound and easily understandable sentences.

Classification and Function

Subject-verb agreement falls under the broader category of grammatical concord, where different elements of a sentence must agree in certain features. Its primary function is to maintain grammatical consistency and ensure that the sentence conveys its intended meaning clearly.

Without subject-verb agreement, sentences can become confusing or ambiguous. For example, the sentence “They is going to the store” is grammatically incorrect because the plural subject “they” does not agree with the singular verb “is.” The correct sentence would be “They are going to the store.”

Contexts of Subject-Verb Agreement

Subject-verb agreement is crucial in all forms of English writing and speaking, including:

• Academic writing: Maintaining a high level of grammatical accuracy is essential in academic papers, research reports, and essays.
• Professional communication: Using correct subject-verb agreement in emails, reports, and presentations enhances credibility and professionalism.
• Creative writing: While creative writing allows for some flexibility, a solid understanding of subject-verb agreement ensures that any deviations are intentional and effective.
• Everyday conversation: Although spoken language is often more relaxed, using correct subject-verb agreement helps to convey your message clearly and avoid misunderstandings.

Structural Breakdown

Understanding the structure of sentences is crucial for mastering subject-verb agreement. Let’s break down the key elements involved:

Identifying the Subject

The first step in ensuring subject-verb agreement is to accurately identify the subject of the sentence. The subject is typically a noun or pronoun that performs the action of the verb.

However, subjects can sometimes be more complex, such as noun phrases or clauses.

Simple Subject: The subject is a single noun or pronoun (e.g., He runs, The dog barks).

Compound Subject: The subject consists of two or more nouns or pronouns joined by a conjunction (e.g., John and Mary are going, Cats and dogs need care).

Collective Noun Subject: The subject is a noun that refers to a group of individuals (e.g., The team is playing well, The family is on vacation).

Indefinite Pronoun Subject: The subject is an indefinite pronoun such as everyone, someone, nobody, etc. (e.g., Everyone is ready, Someone has the answer).

Identifying the Verb

The verb is the action word or state of being in the sentence. It indicates what the subject is doing or being.

Identifying the verb is essential for determining whether it agrees with the subject.

Action Verbs: These verbs describe actions (e.g., run, jump, sing).

Linking Verbs: These verbs connect the subject to a noun or adjective that describes or identifies the subject (e.g., is, are, was, were, seem, become).

Helping Verbs: These verbs assist the main verb in expressing tense, mood, or voice (e.g., have, has, had, do, does, did).

Basic Sentence Structure

The basic sentence structure in English is Subject-Verb-Object (SVO). Understanding this structure helps in identifying the subject and verb and ensuring their agreement.

Example: The cat (Subject) chases (Verb) the mouse (Object).

Phrases and Clauses

Sentences can contain phrases and clauses that can affect subject-verb agreement. It’s important to identify the main subject and verb, even when they are separated by intervening phrases or clauses.

Prepositional Phrases: Phrases that begin with a preposition (e.g., of, in, on, at) do not affect the subject-verb agreement. For example, in the sentence “The box of chocolates is on the table,” the subject is “box,” not “chocolates.”

Relative Clauses: Clauses that begin with a relative pronoun (e.g., who, which, that) can contain their own subjects and verbs. Make sure the verb in the main clause agrees with the main subject of the sentence. For example, in the sentence “The student who studies hard succeeds,” the subject is “student,” and the verb is “succeeds.”

Types of Subject-Verb Agreement

Subject-verb agreement can be categorized based on the type of subject involved. Here are some common types:

Singular Subjects

Singular subjects require singular verbs. Singular verbs typically end in “-s” or “-es” in the present tense (except for the pronoun “I” and “you”).

Example: He runs. She sings. It barks.

Plural Subjects

Plural subjects require plural verbs. Plural verbs do not end in “-s” or “-es” in the present tense.

Example: They run. We sing. Dogs bark.

Compound Subjects

Compound subjects joined by “and” usually take a plural verb.

Example: John and Mary are going to the store.

However, if the compound subject refers to a single entity or idea, it takes a singular verb.

Example: Macaroni and cheese is my favorite dish.

Collective Nouns

Collective nouns can be singular or plural, depending on whether they refer to the group as a whole or to the individual members of the group.

If the collective noun refers to the group as a whole, it takes a singular verb.

Example: The team is playing well.

If the collective noun refers to the individual members of the group, it takes a plural verb.

Example: The team are arguing about their salaries.

Indefinite Pronouns

Indefinite pronouns can be singular or plural, depending on the pronoun.

Singular indefinite pronouns: each, every, everyone, everybody, someone, somebody, anyone, anybody, nobody, no one, either, neither.

Example: Everyone is ready.

Plural indefinite pronouns: both, few, many, several.

Example: Both are going.

Indefinite pronouns that can be singular or plural: some, any, none, all, most. The number depends on the noun they refer to.

Example: Some of the cake is gone (singular). Some of the cookies are gone (plural).

“There is / There are”

In sentences that begin with “there is” or “there are,” the subject follows the verb. The verb must agree with the subject that follows it.

Example: There is a book on the table (singular). There are books on the table (plural).

Examples of Subject-Verb Agreement

To further illustrate subject-verb agreement, let’s look at some examples organized by category.

Singular and Plural Subjects

This table provides examples of subject-verb agreement with both singular and plural subjects. Notice how the verb changes to match the subject’s number.

Subject	Verb	Example Sentence
He	is	He is a talented musician.
She	sings	She sings beautifully.
It	runs	It runs very fast.
I	am	I am a student.
You	are	You are my friend.
The dog	barks	The dog barks loudly.
The cat	sleeps	The cat sleeps all day.
The book	is	The book is very interesting.
They	are	They are going to the party.
We	sing	We sing in the choir.
Dogs	bark	Dogs bark at strangers.
Cats	sleep	Cats sleep a lot.
Books	are	Books are important for learning.
My mother	cooks	My mother cooks delicious meals.
My father	works	My father works very hard.
The teacher	explains	The teacher explains the lesson clearly.
The students	study	The students study for the exam.
The birds	fly	The birds fly south for the winter.
The sun	shines	The sun shines brightly.
The moon	glows	The moon glows in the night sky.
The stars	twinkle	The stars twinkle in the night sky.
The rain	falls	The rain falls gently.
The flowers	bloom	The flowers bloom in the spring.
The tree	grows	The tree grows tall.
The leaves	fall	The leaves fall in the autumn.
The wind	blows	The wind blows strongly.
The mountains	stand	The mountains stand majestically.
The river	flows	The river flows to the sea.

Compound Subjects

This table demonstrates subject-verb agreement with compound subjects, both those joined by “and” and those that refer to a single entity.

Subject	Verb	Example Sentence
John and Mary	are	John and Mary are going to the movies.
Cats and dogs	need	Cats and dogs need proper care.
Peanut butter and jelly	is	Peanut butter and jelly is a classic combination.
My brother and I	are	My brother and I are planning a trip.
The teacher and the student	are	The teacher and the student are working on a project.
Bread and butter	is	Bread and butter is a simple snack.
Ham and eggs	is	Ham and eggs is a popular breakfast.
The car and the motorcycle	are	The car and the motorcycle are in the garage.
The house and the garden	look	The house and the garden look beautiful.
The sun and the moon	are	The sun and the moon are celestial bodies.
My friend and her sister	are	My friend and her sister are visiting us.
The book and the pen	are	The book and the pen are on the desk.
The actor and the director	are	The actor and the director are collaborating on a new film.
The singer and the musician	are	The singer and the musician are performing tonight.
The doctor and the nurse	are	The doctor and the nurse are working in the hospital.
The lawyer and the client	are	The lawyer and the client are discussing the case.
The chef and the waiter	are	The chef and the waiter are preparing the meal.
The artist and the model	are	The artist and the model are working on a painting.
The writer and the editor	are	The writer and the editor are reviewing the manuscript.
The programmer and the designer	are	The programmer and the designer are developing the website.
The engineer and the architect	are	The engineer and the architect are designing the building.
The farmer and the gardener	work	The farmer and the gardener work in the field.
The pilot and the copilot	are	The pilot and the copilot are flying the plane.
The dancer and the choreographer	are	The dancer and the choreographer are rehearsing the dance.
The athlete and the coach	are	The athlete and the coach are training for the competition.
The king and queen	are	The king and queen are attending the ceremony.
The prince and princess	are	The prince and princess are visiting the country.
The president and vice-president	are	The president and vice-president are addressing the nation.

Collective Nouns

This table illustrates subject-verb agreement with collective nouns, showing how the verb changes depending on whether the noun is treated as a single unit or as individual members.

Subject	Verb	Example Sentence
The team	is	The team is playing well.
The team	are	The team are arguing about their salaries.
The family	is	The family is on vacation.
The family	are	The family are deciding what to do.
The committee	meets	The committee meets every week.
The committee	have	The committee have different opinions.
The audience	is	The audience is enjoying the show.
The audience	are	The audience are clapping enthusiastically.
The class	is	The class is taking a test.
The class	are	The class are working on different projects.
The jury	has	The jury has reached a verdict.
The jury	are	The jury are divided in their opinions.
The crowd	is	The crowd is cheering loudly.
The crowd	are	The crowd are dispersing after the event.
The staff	is	The staff is well-trained.
The staff	are	The staff are taking their breaks.
The government	is	The government is implementing new policies.
The government	are	The government are debating the issue.
The band	is	The band is playing a concert.
The band	are	The band are tuning their instruments.
The flock	is	The flock of birds is flying south.
The flock	are	The flock are scattering in the wind.
The herd	is	The herd of cattle is grazing in the field.
The herd	are	The herd are moving to a new pasture.
The group	is	The group is planning a trip.
The group	are	The group are deciding on the destination.
The company	is	The company is launching a new product.
The company	are	The company are discussing the budget.

Indefinite Pronouns

This table provides examples of subject-verb agreement with indefinite pronouns, highlighting the distinction between singular and plural pronouns.

Subject	Verb	Example Sentence
Everyone	is	Everyone is ready for the meeting.
Someone	has	Someone has the answer.
Nobody	knows	Nobody knows the truth.
Each	has	Each has a different opinion.
Everything	is	Everything is going according to plan.
Both	are	Both are invited to the party.
Few	know	Few know the secret.
Many	are	Many are interested in the topic.
Several	have	Several have already arrived.
Some	is	Some of the cake is gone.
Some	are	Some of the cookies are gone.
Any	is	Any of the milk is fine.
Any	are	Any of the apples are acceptable.
None	is	None of the water is left.
None	are	None of the students are present.
All	is	All of the money is spent.
All	are	All of the tickets are sold.
Most	is	Most of the work is done.
Most	are	Most of the people are happy.
Anybody	is	Anybody is welcome to join.
Somebody	needs	Somebody needs to clean up.
No one	cares	No one cares about the problem.
Either	is	Either is a good option.
Neither	is	Neither is available.
Each one	has	Each one has a unique talent.
Another	is	Another is coming soon.
One	is	One is enough.

Usage Rules

Several rules govern the proper use of subject-verb agreement. Understanding these rules is essential for avoiding errors and ensuring grammatical accuracy.

Basic Rule

The basic rule is that a singular subject takes a singular verb, and a plural subject takes a plural verb.

Example: The dog barks (singular). The dogs bark (plural).

Intervening Phrases and Clauses

Phrases and clauses that come between the subject and the verb do not affect subject-verb agreement. The verb must agree with the main subject, not with any nouns or pronouns in the intervening phrase or clause.

Example: The box of chocolates is on the table. (The subject is “box,” not “chocolates.”)

Subjects Joined by “Or” or “Nor”

When subjects are joined by “or” or “nor,” the verb agrees with the subject closest to it.

Example: Neither the students nor the teacher is here. Neither the teacher nor the students are here.

Sentences Beginning with “Here” or “There”

In sentences that begin with “here” or “there,” the subject follows the verb. The verb must agree with the subject that follows it.

Example: There is a book on the table. There are books on the table.

Titles of Works and Names of Organizations

Titles of works (books, movies, songs) and names of organizations are usually treated as singular, even if they contain plural words.

Example: “The Lord of the Rings” is a famous book. The United Nations is an international organization.

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.

Example: Five dollars is a reasonable price. Ten miles is a long distance.

Exceptions and Special Cases

• “Each” and “Every”: When “each” or “every” precedes a compound subject, the verb is singular. Each boy and girl has a book.
• “Many a”: When “many a” precedes a singular noun, the verb is singular. Many a student has struggled with this concept.
• Relative Clauses: The verb in a relative clause agrees with the noun or pronoun that the clause modifies. He is one of the students who are always on time.

Common Mistakes

Many common mistakes occur when applying subject-verb agreement rules. Being aware of these mistakes can help you avoid them in your own writing.

Incorrect Agreement with Intervening Phrases

Incorrect: The quality of the apples are poor.

Correct: The quality of the apples is poor.

Incorrect Agreement with Compound Subjects

Incorrect: John and Mary is going to the store.

Correct: John and Mary are going to the store.

Incorrect Agreement with Collective Nouns

Incorrect: The team is arguing about his salaries.

Correct: The team are arguing about their salaries.

Incorrect Agreement with Indefinite Pronouns

Incorrect: Everyone are ready.

Correct: Everyone is ready.

Incorrect Agreement with “There is / There are”

Incorrect: There is books on the table.

Correct: There are books on the table.

Mistaking the Subject

Incorrect: Riding bikes are fun.

Correct: Riding bikes is fun. (The subject is the gerund ‘riding’)

Practice Exercises

Test your understanding of subject-verb agreement with the following practice exercises.

Exercise 1: Basic Agreement

Choose the correct verb form in each sentence.

Question	Answer
1. The dog (barks/bark) loudly.	barks
2. The cats (sleeps/sleep) all day.	sleep
3. He (is/are) a talented musician.	is
4. They (is/are) going to the party.	are
5. I (am/is) a student.	am
6. You (is/are) my friend.	are
7. The book (is/are) very interesting.	is
8. We (sings/sing) in the choir.	sing
9. My mother (cooks/cook) delicious meals.	cooks
10. My father (works/work) very hard.	works

Exercise 2: Compound Subjects

Choose the correct verb form in each sentence.

Question	Answer
1. John and Mary (is/are) going to the movies.	are
2. Peanut butter and jelly (is/are) a classic combination.	is
3. My brother and I (is/are) planning a trip.	are
4. The car and the motorcycle (is/are) in the garage.	are
5. Bread and butter (is/are) a simple snack.	is
6. The actor and the director (is/are) collaborating on a new film.	are
7. The king and queen (is/are) attending the ceremony.	are
8. The writer and the editor (is/are) reviewing the manuscript.	are
9. The dancer and the choreographer (is/are) rehearsing the dance.	are
10. The president and vice-president (is/are) addressing the nation.	are

Exercise 3: Collective Nouns

Choose the correct verb form in each sentence.

Question	Answer
1. The team (is/are) playing well.	is
2. The team (is/are) arguing about their salaries.	are
3. The family (is/are) on vacation.	is
4. The family (is/are) deciding what to do.	are
5. The committee (meets/meet) every week.	meets
6. The committee (has/have) different opinions.	have
7. The audience (is/are) enjoying the show.	is
8. The audience (is/are) clapping enthusiastically.	are
9. The class (is/are) taking a test.	is
10. The class (is/are) working on different projects.	are

Exercise 4: Indefinite Pronouns

Choose the correct verb form in each sentence.

Question	Answer
1. Everyone (is/are) ready for the meeting.	is
2. Someone (has/have) the answer.	has
3. Nobody (knows/know) the truth.	knows
4. Both (is/are) invited to the party.	are
5. Few (knows/know) the secret.	know
6. Some of the cake (is/are) gone.	is
7. Some of the cookies (is/are) gone.	are
8. All of the money (is/are) spent.	is
9. All of the tickets (is/are) sold.	are
10. Most of the people (is/are) happy.	are

Advanced Topics

For advanced learners, there are more complex aspects of subject-verb agreement to consider.

Subject-Verb Agreement in Relative Clauses

When a relative clause (a clause beginning with “who,” “which,” or “that”) is used, the verb in the relative clause must agree with the noun or pronoun that the clause modifies.

Example: He is one of the students who are always on time. (The verb “are” agrees with “students.”)

Subject-Verb Agreement with Inverted Sentences

Inverted sentences occur when the verb comes before the subject. In these cases, it’s important to identify the subject correctly to ensure agreement.

Example: Under the tree was a hidden treasure. (The subject is “treasure,” so the verb is singular.)

Subject-Verb Agreement with Titles and Company Names

Titles of books, movies, and songs are generally treated as singular, even if they contain plural nouns.

Example: “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” is a classic novel.

Company names can be singular or plural depending on how they are used. If the company is referred to as a single entity, use a singular verb.

If referring to the individuals within the company, use a plural verb.

Example: Microsoft is a leading technology company. Microsoft are debating their next product release.

Subject-Verb Agreement with Gerunds and Infinitives

Gerunds (verbs ending in “-ing” used as nouns) and infinitives (the base form of a verb preceded by “to”) are generally treated as singular.

Example: Swimming is good exercise. To err is human.

FAQ

Conclusion

Mastering subject-verb agreement is essential for effective communication in English. By understanding the basic rules, recognizing common mistakes, and practicing regularly, you can improve your grammatical accuracy and enhance the clarity of your writing and speech.

Whether you are a student, a professional, or simply an English language enthusiast, a solid grasp of subject-verb agreement will serve you well in all your communication endeavors. Remember to pay attention to the structure of sentences, identify the subject and verb correctly, and apply the rules consistently.

With dedication and practice, you can confidently navigate the nuances of subject-verb agreement and communicate with precision and clarity.