Understanding Subject-Verb Agreement

Subject-verb agreement is the rule that the subject and verb in a sentence must match in number. A singular subject takes a singular verb, while a plural subject takes a plural verb.

Basic Rule of Subject-Verb Agreement

Subject	Verb	Example
Singular subject	Singular verb	She works every day.
Plural subject	Plural verb	They work every day.

Singular and Plural Subjects

Singular subjects refer to one person, place, thing, or idea. Plural subjects refer to more than one.

The student studies English.
The students study English.
The dog runs fast.
The dogs run fast.

Subject-Verb Agreement With "Be"

Subject	Present	Past
I	am	was
He / She / It	is	was
You / We / They	are	were

Rules for Subject-Verb Agreement

1. Two Subjects Joined by "And"

When two subjects are connected by and, they usually take a plural verb.

Tom and Sarah are friends.
My brother and I play football.

2. Subjects Joined by "Or" or "Nor"

With or and nor, the verb usually agrees with the subject closest to it.

Either the teacher or the students are responsible.
Either the students or the teacher is responsible.

3. Collective Nouns

Collective nouns can be singular when the group acts as one unit.

The team is winning the game.
The family enjoys dinner together.

4. Indefinite Pronouns

Some indefinite pronouns are always singular.

Everyone needs help sometimes.
Someone is waiting outside.
Each student has a book.

Some are always plural:

Many are interested.
Few know the answer.

5. Words Between Subject and Verb

Ignore words between the subject and the verb. The verb agrees with the main subject.

The box of chocolates is on the table.
The students in my class are friendly.

6. Titles, Names, and Amounts

Some titles, names, and amounts are considered singular.

"Harry Potter" is a famous book series.
Ten dollars is enough.
Five years is a long time.

Common Mistakes

Incorrect	Correct
She go to school every day.	She goes to school every day.
The students studies English.	The students study English.
Everyone have a chance.	Everyone has a chance.
The list of names are long.	The list of names is long.

Subject-Verb Agreement Exercises

Choose the correct verb:

The boy _____ (play / plays) football every weekend.
The children _____ (is / are) happy.
Everyone _____ (need / needs) support.
My friends and I _____ (enjoy / enjoys) traveling.
The group _____ (is / are) ready.

Subject-Verb Agreement Summary

Singular subjects need singular verbs.
Plural subjects need plural verbs.
Pay attention to the real subject, not words placed between the subject and verb.
Correct subject-verb agreement makes sentences clear and grammatically accurate.