Subject-verb agreement is a fundamental aspect of English grammar, ensuring clarity and coherence in writing and speech. It dictates that a verb must agree in number (singular or plural) with its subject.
A solid understanding of this principle is crucial for effective communication, as errors in subject-verb agreement can lead to confusion and misinterpretation. This comprehensive guide is designed for English language learners of all levels, from beginners seeking to grasp the basics to advanced students aiming to refine their grammatical accuracy.
By mastering subject-verb agreement, you’ll significantly enhance your ability to express yourself clearly and confidently in English.
This article will delve into the rules, exceptions, and common pitfalls of subject-verb agreement, providing numerous examples and practice exercises to solidify your understanding. Whether you’re writing essays, giving presentations, or simply engaging in everyday conversation, this guide will equip you with the knowledge and skills necessary to ensure grammatical correctness and effective communication.
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, is the grammatical rule stating that the verb in a sentence must match its subject in number. This means that a singular subject requires a singular verb, and a plural subject requires a plural verb. This agreement ensures that the sentence is grammatically correct and easy to understand. Ignoring this rule can lead to awkward phrasing and potential miscommunication.
The concept might seem straightforward, but its application can be tricky, especially when dealing with compound subjects, collective nouns, indefinite pronouns, and other complex sentence structures. Therefore, a thorough understanding of the principles governing subject-verb agreement is essential for clear and effective writing.
Classification
Subject-verb agreement falls under the broader category of grammatical agreement, which also includes noun-pronoun agreement and adjective-noun agreement. Grammatical agreement, in general, ensures that different parts of a sentence are consistent with each other in terms of number, gender, and person.
Subject-verb agreement specifically focuses on the relationship between the subject and the verb.
Function
The primary function of subject-verb agreement is to maintain clarity and coherence in communication. By ensuring that the verb agrees with its subject, the sentence becomes easier to understand and less prone to misinterpretation.
This is particularly important in formal writing and academic contexts, where precision and accuracy are highly valued. Correct subject-verb agreement also contributes to the overall professionalism and credibility of your writing.
Contexts
Subject-verb agreement is applicable in all contexts of English language use, including:
- Writing: Essays, reports, articles, emails, and any other form of written communication.
- Speaking: Everyday conversations, presentations, speeches, and formal addresses.
- Academic Settings: Research papers, theses, dissertations, and classroom discussions.
- Professional Environments: Business correspondence, reports, presentations, and meetings.
Structural Breakdown
Understanding the structure of a sentence is crucial for correctly applying subject-verb agreement. The basic sentence structure consists of a subject and a verb.
Identifying the subject and determining its number (singular or plural) is the first step in ensuring agreement.
Identifying the Subject
The subject of a sentence is the noun or pronoun that performs the action or is being described. It typically appears before the verb, but this is not always the case, especially in questions or sentences beginning with phrases like “There is/are.” To identify the subject, ask yourself “Who or what is performing the action?”
Singular vs. Plural
Nouns and pronouns can be either singular or plural. Singular nouns refer to one person, place, thing, or idea, while plural nouns refer to more than one.
Most nouns form their plural by adding “-s” or “-es” to the end. However, there are irregular plural forms (e.g., child/children, mouse/mice, person/people) that must be memorized.
Pronouns also have singular and plural forms (e.g., I/we, he/they, she/they, it/they).
Verb Conjugation
Verbs change their form depending on the subject’s number and the tense of the sentence. In the present tense, most verbs add “-s” or “-es” to the base form when used with a singular subject (e.g., he walks, she eats, it sleeps).
However, the verb “to be” has different forms for singular and plural subjects (e.g., I am, he/she/it is, we/you/they are).
Types of Subject-Verb Agreement
Subject-verb agreement can be categorized based on the complexity of the sentence structure and the types of subjects involved.
Simple Sentences
In simple sentences, the subject is usually a single noun or pronoun, and the verb directly follows the subject. Agreement is straightforward in these cases.
Compound Subjects
A compound subject consists of two or more nouns or pronouns joined by a conjunction such as “and,” “or,” or “nor.” The verb agreement depends on the conjunction used.
- “And”: Generally takes a plural verb. Example: John and Mary are going to the store.
- “Or” / “Nor”: The verb agrees with the subject closest to it. Example: Neither the students nor the teacher is happy. Neither the teacher nor the students are happy.
Collective Nouns
Collective nouns refer to a group of people or things as a single unit (e.g., team, family, committee). The verb agreement depends on whether the group is acting as a single unit or as individual members.
- Single Unit: Takes a singular verb. Example: The team is playing well.
- Individual Members: Takes a plural verb. Example: The family are arguing about their vacation plans. (This usage is more common in British English)
Indefinite Pronouns
Indefinite pronouns refer to nonspecific people or things (e.g., everyone, someone, nobody, each, every). Some indefinite pronouns are always singular, some are always plural, and some can be either singular or plural depending on the context.
- Always Singular: each, every, everyone, someone, anyone, no one, nobody, either, neither, one, another, much, little.
- Always Plural: both, few, many, several.
- Singular or Plural (depending on the object of the preposition): some, any, none, all, most. Example: Some of the pie is gone. Some of the pies are gone.
Sentences with Inverted Order
In some sentences, the subject follows the verb. This is common in questions or sentences beginning with phrases like “There is/are” or “Here is/are.” It is important to identify the subject correctly to ensure proper verb agreement.
- Example: There are many books on the table. (books is the subject)
- Example: Here is the key. (key is the subject)
Examples of Subject-Verb Agreement
The following tables provide examples of subject-verb agreement in various sentence structures. Each table focuses on a specific type of agreement, illustrating the rules and patterns discussed earlier.
Simple Sentences Examples
This table illustrates subject-verb agreement in simple sentences, where the subject is a single noun or pronoun.
| Subject | Verb | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| I | am | I am a student. |
| You | are | You are a talented musician. |
| He | is | He is a doctor. |
| She | is | She is a teacher. |
| It | is | It is raining outside. |
| We | are | We are going to the park. |
| They | are | They are playing football. |
| The cat | is | The cat is sleeping on the couch. |
| The dog | barks | The dog barks loudly. |
| The flower | blooms | The flower blooms in the spring. |
| My friend | lives | My friend lives in New York. |
| The car | runs | The car runs smoothly. |
| The book | is | The book is interesting. |
| The song | sounds | The song sounds beautiful. |
| The movie | starts | The movie starts at 7 PM. |
| The train | arrives | The train arrives on time. |
| The sun | shines | The sun shines brightly. |
| The moon | appears | The moon appears at night. |
| The bird | sings | The bird sings in the morning. |
| The tree | grows | The tree grows tall. |
Compound Subjects Examples
This table demonstrates subject-verb agreement with compound subjects joined by “and,” “or,” and “nor.”
| Subject | Verb | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| John and Mary | are | John and Mary are going to the party. |
| The dog and the cat | play | The dog and the cat play together. |
| My brother and I | are | My brother and I are studying for the exam. |
| Neither the students nor the teacher | is | Neither the students nor the teacher is happy with the results. |
| Neither the teacher nor the students | are | Neither the teacher nor the students are happy with the results. |
| Either the cat or the dog | is | Either the cat or the dog is responsible for the mess. |
| Either the dogs or the cat | is | Either the dogs or the cat is going to get fed. |
| The book and the pen | are | The book and the pen are on the table. |
| My mom and dad | are | My mom and dad are coming to visit. |
| Pizza and beer | are | Pizza and beer are a great combination. |
| Coffee or tea | is | Coffee or tea is a good way to start the day. |
| Neither rain nor snow | is | Neither rain nor snow is stopping us. |
| The president and the vice president | are | The president and the vice president are giving a speech. |
| The singer and the songwriter | are | The singer and the songwriter are collaborating on a new song. |
| The actor and the director | are | The actor and the director are working on a movie. |
| My sister and her friend | are | My sister and her friend are going shopping. |
| 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 food and the drinks | are | The food and the drinks are ready. |
| The music and the dancing | are | The music and the dancing are great. |
| Neither he nor she | is | Neither he nor she is going to the party. |
| Either he or I | am | Either he or I am going to pick up the kids. |
| The dog or the cats | are | The dog or the cats are eating the food. |
Collective Nouns Examples
This table illustrates subject-verb agreement with collective nouns, showing how the verb form changes depending on whether the noun is acting 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 strategy. (British English) |
| The family | is | The family is planning a vacation. |
| The family | are | The family are having their portraits taken. (British English) |
| The committee | has | The committee has made a decision. |
| The committee | are | The committee are disagreeing on the details. (British English) |
| The audience | is | The audience is enjoying the show. |
| The audience | are | The audience are clapping enthusiastically. |
| The government | is | The government is working on new policies. |
| The government | are | The government are divided on the issue. (British English) |
| 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 unable to agree. (British English) |
| The crowd | is | The crowd is getting restless. |
| The crowd | are | The crowd are dispersing in different directions. |
| The band | is | The band is playing tonight. |
| The band | are | The band are setting up their instruments. |
| The staff | is | The staff is dedicated to their work. |
| The staff | are | The staff are taking their lunch breaks. |
Indefinite Pronouns Examples
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 invited to the party. |
| Someone | has | Someone has left their umbrella. |
| Nobody | knows | Nobody knows the answer. |
| Each | has | Each student has a textbook. |
| Every | is | Every seat is taken. |
| Both | are | Both of them are going to the concert. |
| Few | are | Few people are interested in the topic. |
| Many | have | Many have tried, but few have succeeded. |
| Several | are | Several students are absent today. |
| Some of the water | is | Some of the water is contaminated. |
| Some of the apples | are | Some of the apples are rotten. |
| All of the cake | is | All of the cake is gone. |
| All of the cookies | are | All of the cookies are delicious. |
| None of the money | is | None of the money is left. |
| None of the bills | are | None of the bills are paid. |
| Much | is | Much has been said. |
| Little | is | Little is known about his past. |
| One | is | One is never too old to learn. |
| Another | is | Another example is needed. |
| Either | is | Either option is acceptable. |
Usage Rules
Understanding the rules governing subject-verb agreement is essential for avoiding errors and ensuring grammatical correctness. These rules cover various aspects of sentence structure and subject types.
Basic Rule
The basic rule is that a singular subject takes a singular verb, and a plural subject takes a plural verb. This applies to most simple sentences.
Compound Subjects Rule
When two or more subjects are joined by “and,” use a plural verb, unless the subjects refer to a single entity or idea. When two or more subjects are joined by “or” or “nor,” the verb agrees with the subject closest to it.
Collective Nouns Rule
When a collective noun refers to the group as a single unit, use a singular verb. When it refers to the individual members of the group, use a plural verb (more common in British English).
Indefinite Pronouns Rule
Some indefinite pronouns are always singular (e.g., everyone, someone, nobody), while others are always plural (e.g., both, few, many). Some can be either singular or plural depending on the object of the preposition (e.g., some, any, none, all, most).
Sentences with Inverted Order Rule
In sentences where the subject follows the verb (e.g., questions, sentences beginning with “There is/are” or “Here is/are”), identify the subject correctly to ensure proper verb agreement.
Intervening Phrases Rule
Phrases that come between the subject and the verb do not affect subject-verb agreement. Focus on the actual subject, not the words in the intervening phrase.
- Example: The book, along with the CDs, is on the shelf. (The subject is “book,” not “CDs.”)
Titles of Works Rule
Titles of books, movies, and songs are treated as singular, even if they contain plural words.
- Example: “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” is a classic novel.
Units of Measurement Rule
Units of measurement (e.g., time, money, distance) are usually treated as singular when they refer to a single quantity.
- Example: Five dollars is too much to pay for that.
Common Mistakes
Even experienced English speakers sometimes make mistakes in subject-verb agreement. Being aware of these common errors can help you avoid them.
Mistake 1: 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,” not “chocolates.” The phrase “of chocolates” is an intervening phrase and does not affect the verb agreement.
Mistake 2: Confusing Compound Subjects
Incorrect: John or Mary are going to the store.
Correct: John or Mary is going to the store.
Explanation: When subjects are joined by “or,” the verb agrees with the subject closest to it. In this case, “Mary” is singular, so the verb should be “is.”
Mistake 3: Misusing Collective Nouns
Incorrect: The team are playing well.
Correct: The team is playing well.
Explanation: In American English, collective nouns are generally treated as singular when referring to the group as a single unit. However, in British English, the first sentence would be considered grammatically correct, since the team members are playing individually.
Mistake 4: Incorrect Indefinite Pronoun Agreement
Incorrect: Everyone are happy.
Correct: Everyone is happy.
Explanation: The indefinite pronoun “everyone” is always singular and requires a singular verb.
Mistake 5: Forgetting Inverted Order
Incorrect: There is many books on the shelf.
Correct: There are many books on the shelf.
Explanation: The subject is “books,” which is plural. Therefore, the verb should be “are.”
Practice Exercises
These exercises will help you practice and reinforce your understanding of subject-verb agreement. Choose the correct verb form in each sentence.
Exercise 1: Simple Sentences
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. The dog (barks/bark) loudly. | barks |
| 2. I (am/is) a student. | am |
| 3. They (are/is) playing football. | are |
| 4. She (like/likes) to read. | likes |
| 5. It (is/are) raining outside. | is |
| 6. The sun (shine/shines) brightly. | shines |
| 7. We (is/are) going to the beach. | are |
| 8. He (eat/eats) pizza every Friday. | eats |
| 9. You (is/are) my best friend. | are |
| 10. The bird (sing/sings) in the morning. | sings |
Exercise 2: Compound Subjects
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. John and Mary (is/are) coming to the party. | are |
| 2. Neither the students nor the teacher (is/are) happy. | is |
| 3. Either the cat or the dogs (is/are) going to get fed. | are |
| 4. My brother and I (am/are) studying for the exam. | are |
| 5. Coffee or tea (is/are) a good way to start the day. | is |
| 6. The singer and the songwriter (is/are) collaborating. | are |
| 7. Neither he nor she (is/are) going to the concert. | is |
| 8. Either he or I (am/is) going to pick up the kids. | am |
| 9. The car and the motorcycle (is/are) in the garage. | are |
| 10. Pizza and beer (is/are) a great combination. | are |
Exercise 3: Collective Nouns
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. The team (is/are) playing well. | is |
| 2. The family (is/are) planning a vacation. | is |
| 3. The committee (has/have) made a decision. | has |
| 4. The audience (is/are) enjoying the show. | is |
| 5. The government (is/are) working on new policies. | is |
| 6. The class (is/are) taking a test. | is |
| 7. The jury (has/have) reached a verdict. | has |
| 8. The crowd (is/are) getting restless. | is |
| 9. The band (is/are) playing tonight. | is |
| 10. The staff (is/are) dedicated to their work. | is |
Exercise 4: Indefinite Pronouns
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. Everyone (is/are) invited to the party. | is |
| 2. Someone (has/have) left their umbrella. | has |
| 3. Nobody (knows/know) the answer. | knows |
| 4. Each (has/have) a different opinion. | has |
| 5. Every (seat/seats) is taken. | seat |
| 6. Both (is/are) going to the concert. | are |
| 7. Few (is/are) interested in the topic. | are |
| 8. Many (has/have) tried, but few have succeeded. | have |
| 9. Several (is/are) absent today. | are |
| 10. Some of the water (is/are) contaminated. | is |
Advanced Topics
For advanced learners, there are more complex aspects of subject-verb agreement to consider.
Sentences with Relative Clauses
In sentences with relative clauses (clauses introduced by relative pronouns like “who,” “which,” or “that”), the verb in the relative clause must agree with the noun or pronoun that the clause modifies (the antecedent). Determining the antecedent correctly is key.
- Example: The student who studies hard always succeeds. (“who” refers to “student,” which is singular)
- Example: The students who study hard always succeed. (“who” refers to “students,” which is plural)
“The number” vs. “A number”
When using the phrases “the number” and “a number,” the verb agreement changes.
- The number: Takes a singular verb. Example: The number of students is increasing.
- A number: Takes a plural verb. Example: A number of students are absent.
Expressions of Quantity
Expressions of quantity like “half of,” “a percentage of,” or “a fraction of” can take either a singular or plural verb depending on the noun that follows “of.”
- Example: Half of the cake is gone. (cake is uncountable, singular verb)
- Example: Half of the apples are rotten. (apples is countable, plural verb)
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about subject-verb agreement.
- What is subject-verb agreement?
Subject-verb agreement is the grammatical rule that the verb in a sentence must agree in number (singular or plural) with its subject. This ensures that the sentence is grammatically correct and easy to understand.
- Why is subject-verb agreement important?
Subject-verb agreement is important for clarity and coherence in communication. Errors in subject-verb agreement can lead to confusion and misinterpretation, especially in formal writing and academic contexts. Correct subject-verb agreement enhances the credibility of your writing.
- How do I identify the subject of a sentence?
The subject of a sentence is the noun or pronoun that performs the action or is being described. It typically appears before the verb, but this is not always the case, especially in questions or sentences beginning with phrases like “There is/are.” To identify the subject, ask yourself “Who or what is performing the action?”
- What are compound subjects?
A compound subject consists of two or more nouns or pronouns joined by a conjunction such as “and,” “or,” or “nor.” The verb agreement depends on the conjunction used. Subjects joined by “and” generally take a plural verb. Subjects joined by “or” or “nor” take a verb that agrees with the subject closest to it.
- What are collective nouns?
Collective nouns refer to a group of people or things as a single unit (e.g., team, family, committee). The verb agreement depends on whether the group is acting as a single unit (singular verb) or as individual members (plural verb, more common in British English).
- What are indefinite pronouns?
Indefinite pronouns refer to nonspecific people or things (e.g., everyone, someone, nobody, each, every). Some indefinite pronouns are always singular, some are always plural, and some can be either singular or plural depending on the context.
- How do I handle sentences with intervening phrases?
Phrases that come between the subject
and the verb do not affect subject-verb agreement. Focus on the actual subject, not the words in the intervening phrase.
- What should I do if the subject follows the verb?
In sentences where the subject follows the verb (e.g., questions, sentences beginning with “There is/are” or “Here is/are”), identify the subject correctly to ensure proper verb agreement.
- Are titles of works singular or plural?
Titles of books, movies, and songs are treated as singular, even if they contain plural words.
- How do I handle units of measurement?
Units of measurement (e.g., time, money, distance) are usually treated as singular when they refer to a single quantity.
Conclusion
Mastering subject-verb agreement is crucial for clear and effective communication in English. By understanding the basic principles, usage rules, and common mistakes, you can significantly improve your grammatical accuracy and enhance the credibility of your writing and speech.
This guide has provided a comprehensive overview of subject-verb agreement, covering various sentence structures and subject types. Practice the exercises and review the examples regularly to reinforce your understanding and avoid errors.
With consistent effort, you can confidently apply the rules of subject-verb agreement and communicate with clarity and precision.