Mastering the Rules of Subject-Verb Agreement with Clear Examples
Hey there! Today, we're diving into one of the most fundamental yet sometimes tricky aspects of English grammar — the rules of subject-verb agreement. Whether you're a student trying to ace your exams or a professional polishing your writing, understanding how subjects and verbs need to match is crucial. Let's get into the details, with plenty of examples, tips, and common pitfalls to watch out for. By the end, you'll be confidently applying these rules in your own writing.
What Are the Rules of Subject-Verb Agreement?
Subject-verb agreement is the grammatical rule that the verb in a sentence must match the subject in number. This means if the subject is singular, the verb should be singular too; if the subject is plural, the verb should be plural as well.
Imagine this: you have one apple, so you'd say, "The apple is ripe." But if you have many apples, you'd say, "The apples are ripe." Simple, right? But when sentences get more complex, things can get confusing.
Core Concepts of Subject-Verb Agreement
Let’s clarify some key elements that influence subject-verb agreement:
1. Singular and Plural Subjects
| Term | Definition | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Singular Subject | One person, thing, or idea | The dog runs every morning. |
| Plural Subject | More than one person, thing, or idea | The dogs run every morning. |
2. Number Compatibility with Verbs
| Subject Type | Correct Verb Form | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Singular | Adds -s or -es (for most cases) | She walks to work. |
| Plural | Base form (no -s) | They walk to work. |
Common Types of Subjects and How to Handle Them
1. Simple Subjects
Most of the time, subjects are straightforward. Just match the verb with the subject’s number.
Example:
- The cat sleeps all day. (singular)
- The children play outside. (plural)
2. Compound Subjects
When two subjects are joined by and, they usually take a plural verb.
Example:
- Jack and Jill are going up the hill.
But beware! When subjects are connected by or, nor, or either/or, the verb agrees with the closest subject.
Examples:
- Neither the teacher nor the students have finished the test.
- Either the manager or the employees are responsible.
3. Indefinite Pronouns
Some pronouns are tricky because they can be singular or plural depending on context.
Common Singular Pronouns:
- Everyone, Anyone, Someone, No one, Each, Either, Neither
Example:
- Everyone is invited to the party.
Common Plural Pronouns:
- Several, Few, Both, Many
Example:
- Many are called, but few are chosen.
Addressing Frequently Missed Cases & Complexities
1. Subjects Separated by Phrases
Sometimes, a sentence includes phrases between the subject and the verb, which can mislead.
Example:
- The bouquet of flowers looks beautiful. (not "look")
Here, "bouquet" is the subject, not "flowers."
2. Collective Nouns
Nouns like team, group, committee, and family are singular when they act as one unit, but can be plural if the members are acting individually.
Examples:
- The team wins every game. (singular)
- The team are arguing among themselves. (plural)
3. Inverted Subjects and Verbs
Sometimes, sentences start with adverbs or negations, which can confuse the agreement.
Example:
- There is a problem. (not "are")
Be mindful always to identify the true subject.
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying Subject-Verb Agreement
- Identify the subject in the sentence.
- Determine the number (singular or plural).
- Check for intervening words or phrases that may distract.
- Choose the correct verb form based on the number.
- Review for special cases like compound subjects, indefinite pronouns, or collective nouns.
Data-Rich Table: Verb Forms Based on Subject Types
| Subject Type | Sing. Verb Form | Plural Verb Form | Example (Singular) | Example (Plural) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regular singular nouns | Add -s/-es | N/A | The dog barks. | N/A |
| Irregular nouns | Varies (no consistent rule) | Varies | The child plays outside. | The children play outside. |
| Collective nouns | Usually -s or no change | When acting individually | The team wins every match. | The players are arguing. |
| Pronouns (everyone, someone, etc.) | is (or has) | are (or have) | Everyone is here. | Few are left. |
| Compound subjects | are (or have) | are (or have) | Jack and Jill are friends. | Jack or Jill is available. |
Tips for Success in Subject-Verb Agreement
- Always find the true subject, not the object or prepositional phrases.
- Be aware of special singular and plural pronouns.
- Watch out for indefinite pronouns, which can be tricky.
- For compound subjects joined by and, use a plural verb.
- For subjects joined by or/nor, the verb agrees with the closest subject.
- When in doubt, rephrase the sentence to identify the core subject clearly.
Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them
| Mistake | How to Avoid | Example Correction |
|---|---|---|
| Treating compound subjects as singular | Check if "and" joins subjects; use plural verb | Jack and Jill are friends. |
| Confusing subjects after prepositions | Always find the main subject before the prepositional phrase | The bouquet of flowers looks beautiful. |
| Ignoring indefinite pronouns | Memorize which pronouns are singular/plural | Correct: Everyone is invited. |
| Using wrong verb with collective nouns | Decide whether the noun refers to a group (singular) or individuals (plural). | The staff is rotating. / The staff are arguing. |
Variations & Advanced Topics You Should Know
- Using "None": It can be singular or plural depending on context. For example, “None is available” or “None are the same.”
- Subjects with fractions and percentages: The verb agrees with the noun being measured. For example, "50 percent of the class is present" (if referring to the class as a unit).
- Inversions or questions: Keep your eyes open. For example, “Are the books on the table?” (plural), “Is the book on the table?” (singular).
Why Is Subject-Verb Agreement Important?
Correct subject-verb agreement is the backbone of clear, professional, and polished writing. It improves readability, shows grammatical competence, and avoids confusion. No matter whether you’re writing an essay, report, or casual email, getting this right boosts your credibility.
Practice Exercises
Let's reinforce what you've learned with some fun practice!
1. Fill-in-the-Blank
Choose the correct form:
- The list of items (is/are) on the desk.
- Neither of the answers (seems/seem) correct.
2. Spot the Error
Identify and correct the mistake:
- The team are ready to start.
3. Sentence Construction
Rewrite these sentences with correct agreement:
- The dogs chases the cat.
- Either my parents or my brother is coming.
4. Category Matching
Match the pronouns with their verb form:
| Pronoun | Correct Verb Form | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Everyone | is / has | Everyone is here. |
| Some | are / have | Some have arrived. |
Final Thoughts
Mastering subject-verb agreement may seem daunting at first, but with practice, it becomes second nature. Always start by identifying the true subject, consider special cases like collective nouns or indefinite pronouns, and double-check your verb forms. Remember, clear and correct grammar elevates your writing, whether you're drafting an essay or composing an email.
Feel confident in your command of these rules, and watch your writing shine! Whether in formal or informal settings, proper subject-verb agreement is a key skill — and now, you're ready to nail it.
Thanks for reading! Keep practicing, stay curious about grammar, and you'll keep improving. Happy writing!