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.
Mastering this concept is crucial for effective communication, as errors in subject-verb agreement can lead to misunderstandings and detract from the credibility of your message. This comprehensive guide is designed for English language learners, writers, and anyone seeking to refine their grammar skills, providing a thorough understanding of the rules and nuances of subject-verb agreement.
This article will delve into the core principles of subject-verb agreement, exploring various rules, exceptions, and common mistakes. Through detailed explanations, numerous examples, and practical exercises, you will gain the confidence to apply these rules accurately in your own writing and speaking.
By the end of this guide, you’ll have a solid foundation in subject-verb agreement, enabling you to communicate with greater precision and clarity.
Table of Contents
- Definition of Subject-Verb Agreement
- Structural Breakdown
- Types and Categories of Subjects
- Examples of Subject-Verb Agreement
- Usage Rules of 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 refers to the grammatical rule that the verb in a sentence must match its subject in number (singular or plural). 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 conveys the intended meaning clearly.
The core principle is straightforward: identify the subject, determine its number, and then choose the verb form that corresponds. However, complexities arise with compound subjects, collective nouns, indefinite pronouns, and other special cases.
Understanding these nuances is essential for mastering subject-verb agreement.
Subject-verb agreement is not only a matter of grammatical correctness but also contributes significantly to the overall clarity and coherence of writing. When the subject and verb agree, the sentence flows smoothly and avoids potential confusion for the reader.
This is particularly important in academic writing, professional communication, and any context where precision and clarity are paramount.
Structural Breakdown
To understand subject-verb agreement, it’s crucial to break down the structure of a sentence and identify the key components. The subject is the noun or pronoun that performs the action or is being described.
The verb is the action word or state of being that relates to the subject. The verb must agree in number with the subject.
Identifying the Subject
The subject is typically a noun or pronoun that performs the action of the verb. It can be a simple noun (e.g., cat, Mary) or a more complex noun phrase (e.g., the old, rickety house). Identifying the subject accurately is the first step in ensuring correct subject-verb agreement.
Determining the Number of the Subject
Once the subject is identified, it’s essential to determine whether it is singular or plural. Singular subjects refer to one entity, while plural subjects refer to more than one.
This determination is crucial for selecting the correct verb form.
Choosing the Correct Verb Form
The verb form must agree with the subject in number. Singular subjects typically take verbs ending in “-s” in the present tense (e.g., he walks, she sings), while plural subjects take the base form of the verb (e.g., they walk, we sing). However, there are exceptions to this rule, particularly with the verb “to be” (e.g., I am, he is, they are).
Types and Categories of Subjects
Subjects can be categorized in various ways, each affecting subject-verb agreement differently. Understanding these categories is crucial for mastering the nuances of this grammatical concept.
Singular and Plural Subjects
The most basic distinction is between singular and plural subjects. Singular subjects refer to one entity, while plural subjects refer to more than one.
This distinction directly influences the choice of verb form.
Compound Subjects
Compound subjects consist of two or more subjects joined by a conjunction such as “and,” “or,” or “nor.” The verb form depends on the specific conjunction used and the number of the individual subjects.
Collective Nouns
Collective nouns refer to a group of individuals as a single unit (e.g., team, family, committee). These nouns can be either singular or plural, depending on whether the group is acting as a single unit or as individual members.
Indefinite Pronouns
Indefinite pronouns refer to nonspecific individuals or entities (e.g., someone, everyone, nobody). Some indefinite pronouns are always singular, while others can be either singular or plural, depending on the context.
Examples of Subject-Verb Agreement
To illustrate the principles of subject-verb agreement, here are several examples categorized by subject type.
Singular Subjects
These examples demonstrate subject-verb agreement with singular subjects. Note how the verb form ends in “-s” in the present tense.
| Subject | Verb | Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| He | walks | He walks to school every day. |
| She | sings | She sings beautifully in the choir. |
| It | rains | It rains frequently in the spring. |
| The cat | sleeps | The cat sleeps soundly on the couch. |
| Mary | studies | Mary studies diligently for her exams. |
| My dog | barks | My dog barks at every passing car. |
| The student | writes | The student writes an excellent essay. |
| The teacher | explains | The teacher explains the lesson clearly. |
| The book | costs | The book costs twenty dollars. |
| The car | runs | The car runs smoothly on the highway. |
| The sun | shines | The sun shines brightly in the sky. |
| My mother | cooks | My mother cooks delicious meals. |
| John | plays | John plays the guitar very well. |
| The company | grows | The company grows rapidly every year. |
| The movie | starts | The movie starts at 7:00 PM. |
| The flower | blooms | The flower blooms in the spring. |
| The bird | flies | The bird flies high above the trees. |
| The computer | works | The computer works efficiently. |
| The restaurant | serves | The restaurant serves excellent food. |
| The painting | hangs | The painting hangs on the wall. |
| The child | laughs | The child laughs happily. |
| The song | sounds | The song sounds beautiful. |
| The train | arrives | The train arrives on time. |
| The game | ends | The game ends at 9:00 PM. |
| The project | requires | The project requires a lot of work. |
| The building | stands | The building stands tall. |
| The exercise | helps | The exercise helps to improve fitness. |
| The idea | seems | The idea seems interesting. |
| The plan | works | The plan works perfectly. |
Plural Subjects
These examples demonstrate subject-verb agreement with plural subjects. Note how the verb form does not end in “-s” in the present tense.
| Subject | Verb | Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| They | walk | They walk to school every day. |
| We | sing | We sing beautifully in the choir. |
| The cats | sleep | The cats sleep soundly on the couch. |
| The students | study | The students study diligently for their exams. |
| My dogs | bark | My dogs bark at every passing car. |
| These books | cost | These books cost a lot of money. |
| The cars | run | The cars run smoothly on the highway. |
| The children | play | The children play in the park. |
| The teachers | explain | The teachers explain the lessons clearly. |
| Those birds | fly | Those birds fly south for the winter. |
| The computers | work | The computers work efficiently. |
| The restaurants | serve | The restaurants serve excellent food. |
| The paintings | hang | The paintings hang on the walls. |
| The songs | sound | The songs sound beautiful. |
| The trains | arrive | The trains arrive on time. |
| The games | end | The games end late at night. |
| The projects | require | The projects require a lot of resources. |
| The buildings | stand | The buildings stand tall and proud. |
| The exercises | help | The exercises help to improve fitness. |
| The ideas | seem | The ideas seem innovative. |
| The plans | work | The plans work effectively. |
| All students | learn | All students learn at their own pace. |
| Many people | believe | Many people believe in miracles. |
| Some animals | migrate | Some animals migrate during winter. |
| Few countries | agree | Few countries agree on every issue. |
| Several options | exist | Several options exist for solving the problem. |
| These problems | persist | These problems persist despite our efforts. |
| Various factors | contribute | Various factors contribute to the outcome. |
| The results | show | The results show significant improvement. |
| The data | indicate | The data indicate a positive trend. |
Compound Subjects
These examples demonstrate subject-verb agreement with compound subjects joined by “and,” “or,” or “nor.”
| Subject | Conjunction | Verb | Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|
| John and Mary | and | are | John and Mary are going to the party. |
| The cat and the dog | and | play | The cat and the dog play together in the yard. |
| Coffee or tea | or | is | Coffee or tea is a good choice in the morning. |
| Neither John nor Mary | nor | is | Neither John nor Mary is available to help. |
| Apples and oranges | and | are | Apples and oranges are healthy snacks. |
| The book and the pen | and | are | The book and the pen are on the table. |
| Either the students or the teacher | or | is | Either the students or the teacher is responsible. |
| Neither the students nor the teacher | nor | is | Neither the students nor the teacher is happy with the result. |
| Pizza and pasta | and | are | Pizza and pasta are my favorite foods. |
| The car and the motorcycle | and | are | The car and the motorcycle are parked in the garage. |
| Either the manager or the employees | or | are | Either the manager or the employees are going to attend the meeting. |
| Neither the manager nor the employees | nor | are | Neither the manager nor the employees are satisfied with the decision. |
| The sun and the moon | and | are | The sun and the moon are celestial bodies. |
| The rain and the wind | and | are | The rain and the wind are making the weather miserable. |
| Either the president or the vice president | or | is | Either the president or the vice president is going to address the nation. |
| Neither the president nor the vice president | nor | is | Neither the president nor the vice president is available for comment. |
| Love and compassion | and | are | Love and compassion are essential human qualities. |
| The hammer and the nails | and | are | The hammer and the nails are needed for the project. |
| Either the driver or the passengers | or | are | Either the driver or the passengers are responsible for the mess. |
| Neither the driver nor the passengers | nor | are | Neither the driver nor the passengers are aware of the situation. |
| The stars and the planets | and | shine | The stars and the planets shine brightly at night. |
| The music and the dancing | and | create | The music and the dancing create a festive atmosphere. |
| Either the cake or the pie | or | is | Either the cake or the pie is a delicious dessert. |
| Neither the cake nor the pie | nor | is | Neither the cake nor the pie is suitable for a diabetic. |
| The flowers and the trees | and | grow | The flowers and the trees grow in the garden. |
| The river and the lake | and | provide | The river and the lake provide water for the city. |
| Either the actor or the director | or | is | Either the actor or the director is responsible for the film’s success. |
| Neither the actor nor the director | nor | is | Neither the actor nor the director is available for interviews. |
| The books and the magazines | and | are | The books and the magazines are neatly arranged on the shelf. |
| The city and the country | and | offer | The city and the country offer different experiences. |
Usage Rules of Subject-Verb Agreement
Several rules govern the proper use of subject-verb agreement. Understanding these rules is crucial for avoiding errors and ensuring grammatical correctness.
Rule 1: Singular subjects take singular verbs.
This is the most basic rule of subject-verb agreement. A singular subject requires a singular verb form. For example: The cat sleeps on the mat.
Rule 2: Plural subjects take plural verbs.
This rule states that a plural subject requires a plural verb form. For example: The cats sleep on the mat.
Rule 3: Compound subjects joined by “and” usually take a plural verb.
When two or more subjects are joined by “and,” they are treated as a plural subject and require a plural verb. For example: John and Mary are going to the party.
Rule 4: If the parts of the compound subject are joined by “or” or “nor,” the verb agrees with the subject nearer to the verb.
When subjects are joined by “or” or “nor,” the verb agrees with the subject that is closer to the verb. For example: Neither John nor his brothers are going to the party. (The verb agrees with “brothers.”)
Rule 5: Collective nouns usually take a singular verb if they refer to the group as a unit.
Collective nouns can be singular or plural, depending on the context. If the group is acting as a single unit, the verb is singular. For example: The team is playing well.
Rule 6: Collective nouns take a plural verb if they refer to the individual members of the group.
If the collective noun refers to the individual members of the group acting separately, the verb is plural. For example: The team are arguing about the strategy.
Rule 7: Indefinite pronouns (e.g., someone, everyone, nobody) are usually singular.
Most indefinite pronouns are singular and require a singular verb. For example: Everyone is invited to the party.
Rule 8: The indefinite pronouns “some,” “any,” “none,” “all,” and “most” may be singular or plural depending on the noun they refer to.
These indefinite pronouns can be either singular or plural, depending on the context. If they refer to a singular noun, the verb is singular. If they refer to a plural noun, the verb is plural. For example: Some of the cake is gone. (singular) vs. Some of the cookies are gone. (plural)
Rule 9: Phrases like “as well as,” “along with,” and “together with” do not change the number of the subject.
These phrases do not create a compound subject. The verb agrees with the main subject. For example: The teacher, as well as the students, is going on the field trip.
Common Mistakes in Subject-Verb Agreement
Several common mistakes can lead to errors in subject-verb agreement. Being aware of these mistakes can help you avoid them in your own writing.
Mistake 1: Ignoring intervening phrases.
Sometimes, phrases come between the subject and the verb, making it difficult to identify the correct subject. It’s important to ignore these phrases and focus on the actual subject of the sentence.
Incorrect: The box of chocolates are on the table.
Correct: The box of chocolates is on the table.
Mistake 2: Confusing collective nouns.
Collective nouns can be tricky because they can be either singular or plural, depending on the context. It’s important to determine whether the group is acting as a single unit or as individual members.
Incorrect: The family are happy with their new home. (when referring to the family as a unit)
Correct: The family is happy with their new home.
Correct: The family are disagreeing about where to go for vacation. (when referring to individual members)
Mistake 3: Misidentifying the subject in “there is/are” sentences.
In sentences that begin with “there is” or “there are,” the subject comes after the verb. It’s important to identify the subject correctly to ensure proper subject-verb agreement.
Incorrect: There is many reasons to visit the city.
Correct: There are many reasons to visit the city.
Mistake 4: Incorrect agreement with indefinite pronouns.
Many indefinite pronouns are singular and require a singular verb. However, it’s easy to mistakenly treat them as plural.
Incorrect: Everyone are invited to the party.
Correct: Everyone is invited to the party.
Mistake 5: Not recognizing compound subjects.
Compound subjects joined by “and” usually take a plural verb. It’s important to recognize these subjects and use the correct verb form.
Incorrect: John and Mary is going to the party.
Correct: John and Mary are going to the party.
Practice Exercises
Test your understanding of subject-verb agreement with these practice exercises.
Exercise 1: Choose the correct verb form in each sentence.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. The dog (barks/bark) loudly at strangers. | barks |
| 2. The dogs (barks/bark) loudly at strangers. | bark |
| 3. John and Mary (is/are) going to the store. | are |
| 4. Either John or Mary (is/are) going to the store. | is |
| 5. The team (is/are) playing well tonight. | is |
| 6. Everyone (is/are) invited to the party. | is |
| 7. There (is/are) many reasons to be happy. | are |
| 8. The box of chocolates (is/are) on the table. | is |
| 9. Some of the cake (is/are) gone. | is |
| 10. Some of the cookies (is/are) gone. | are |
Exercise 2: Correct the errors in subject-verb agreement in the following sentences.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. The students is studying for the exam. | The students are studying for the exam. |
| 2. My brother and I is going to the movies. | My brother and I are going to the movies. |
| 3. Everyone are excited about the trip. | Everyone is excited about the trip. |
| 4. There is many people at the concert. | There are many people at the concert. |
| 5. The team are playing their best tonight. | The team is playing its best tonight. |
| 6. The committee have not yet reached a decision. | The committee has not yet reached a decision. |
| 7. The data shows that the economy is improving. | The data show that the economy is improving. |
| 8. Neither John nor his friends is going to the party. | Neither John nor his friends are going to the party. |
| 9. The book, along with the pen, are on the table. | The book, along with the pen, is on the table. |
| 10. Each of the students have completed the assignment. | Each of the students has completed the assignment. |
Advanced Topics in Subject-Verb Agreement
For advanced learners, here are some more complex aspects of subject-verb agreement.
Titles of Works
Titles of books, movies, and other works are generally treated as singular, even if they contain plural nouns. For example: “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” is a classic novel.
Units of Measurement
Units of measurement are generally treated as singular when they refer to a single quantity. For example: Five dollars is a lot of money.
Expressions of Time
Expressions of time are usually treated as singular. For example: Ten years is a long time to wait.
Sentences Beginning with “Here” or “There”
In sentences that begin with “here” or “there,” the subject follows the verb. Be sure to identify the subject correctly to ensure proper agreement. For example: Here are the keys.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about subject-verb agreement.
Q1: What is subject-verb agreement?
A1: Subject-verb agreement is the grammatical rule that the verb in a sentence must agree in number (singular or plural) with its subject. This means that a singular subject requires a singular verb, and a plural subject requires a plural verb.
Q2: Why is subject-verb agreement important?
A2: Subject-verb agreement is important because it ensures clarity and coherence in writing and speech. Errors in subject-verb agreement can lead to misunderstandings and detract from the credibility of your message.
Correct subject-verb agreement makes your writing more easily understood and grammatically sound.
Q3: How do I identify the subject of a sentence?
A3: The subject is typically a noun or pronoun that performs the action of the verb or is being described. It can be a simple noun (e.g., cat, Mary) or a more complex noun phrase (e.g., the old, rickety house). Ask yourself “Who or what is performing the action?” to find the subject.
Q4: What are compound subjects?
A4: Compound subjects consist of two or more subjects joined by a conjunction such as “and,” “or,” or “nor.” The verb form depends on the specific conjunction used and the number of the individual subjects. When joined by “and,” they generally take a plural verb.
Q5: How do collective nouns affect subject-verb agreement?
A5: Collective nouns refer to a group of individuals as a single unit (e.g., team, family, committee). These nouns can be either singular or plural, depending on whether the group is acting as a single unit (singular verb) or as individual members (plural verb).
Q6: What are indefinite pronouns, and how do they affect subject-verb agreement?
A6: Indefinite pronouns refer to nonspecific individuals or entities (e.g., someone, everyone, nobody). Most indefinite pronouns are singular and require a singular verb. However, some indefinite pronouns (like ‘some,’ ‘any,’ ‘none,’ ‘all,’ and ‘most’) can be singular or plural depending on the noun they refer to.
Q7: What are some common mistakes in subject-verb agreement?
A7: Common mistakes include ignoring intervening phrases, confusing collective nouns, misidentifying the subject in “there is/are” sentences, incorrect agreement with indefinite pronouns, and not recognizing compound subjects. Be sure to carefully identify the subject and its number before choosing the verb.
Q8: How do phrases like “as well as” and “along with” affect subject-verb agreement?
A8: Phrases like “as well as,” “along with,” and “together with” do not change the number of the subject. The verb agrees with the main subject. For example: The teacher, as well as the students, is going on the field trip.
Q9: What happens when the subject and verb are separated by a phrase or clause?
A9: When the subject and verb are separated by a phrase or clause, it’s crucial to identify the actual subject and ensure the verb agrees with it, ignoring any intervening words. For example: “The quality of the apples is poor,” not “are poor.”
Q10: Are there any exceptions to the basic rules of subject-verb agreement?
A10: Yes, there are exceptions. These include collective nouns (which can be singular or plural depending on context), titles of works (which are generally singular), and sentences beginning with “here” or “there” (where the subject follows the verb).
It’s important to be aware of these exceptions and apply the appropriate rules.
Conclusion
Subject-verb agreement is a cornerstone of English grammar, essential for clear and effective communication. By understanding the basic principles, rules, and exceptions, you can avoid common mistakes and ensure that your writing and speech are grammatically correct.
Mastering this concept enhances the clarity and credibility of your message, making it easier for others to understand and appreciate your ideas.
Remember to identify the subject carefully, determine its number, and choose the verb form that corresponds. Pay attention to compound subjects, collective nouns, indefinite pronouns, and other special cases.
Practice regularly and review the rules as needed. With dedication and attention to detail, you can master subject-verb agreement and communicate with greater confidence and precision.