Subject-Verb Agreement in English Grammar: Complete Rules and Examples

Welcome! In this lesson, you'll learn all about Subject-Verb Agreement in English grammar. We'll cover basic and advanced rules, provide examples, and show you how to use them correctly. You'll find real-life examples, a quick quiz, and pro tips to help you master this essential grammar topic.

What is Subject-Verb Agreement?

Subject-Verb Agreement Definition: Subject-verb agreement means that the subject and verb in a sentence must match in number (singular or plural). A singular subject takes a singular verb, and a plural subject takes a plural verb.

Why is Subject-Verb Agreement Important? It makes your sentences grammatically correct and helps your communication sound natural and professional.

Function in Grammar

Subject-verb agreement serves several important functions:

• Grammatical Correctness: The cat runs fast. (singular)
• Clear Communication: The cats run fast. (plural)
• Professional Writing: Ensures your writing sounds educated and polished.
• Sentence Clarity: Helps readers understand exactly what you mean.

Basic Rules for Subject-Verb Agreement

1. Singular and Plural Subjects

• Singular: The student studies hard.
• Plural: The students study hard.
• Singular: She walks to work.
• Plural: They walk to work.

2. Pronouns as Subjects

• I: I am happy. / I like pizza.
• You: You are smart. / You work hard.
• He/She/It: He is tall. / She works here.
• We/They: We are friends. / They play football.

3. Words Between Subject and Verb

• The book on the shelf is mine. (ignore "on the shelf")
• The students in the class are studying. (ignore "in the class")
• One of the boys has a bike. (subject is "one", not "boys")
• The box of chocolates was delicious. (subject is "box")

Advanced Rules for Subject-Verb Agreement

1. Compound Subjects

• And (plural): Tom and Jerry are friends.
• Or/Nor (nearest subject): Either Tom or his friends are coming.
• Or/Nor (nearest subject): Either his friends or Tom is coming.
• Both...and (plural): Both the teacher and students are here.

2. Indefinite Pronouns

• Always Singular: Everyone is here. / Someone has my pen.
• Always Singular: Each has a book. / Neither wants to go.
• Always Plural: Both are correct. / Many have arrived.
• Depends on noun: Some water is cold. / Some books are new.

3. Collective Nouns

• As a group (singular): The team is winning.
• As individuals (plural): The team are arguing among themselves.
• Family: My family is large. / My family are all doctors.
• Class: The class is quiet. / The class are taking different exams.

4. Special Cases

• There is/are: There is a book. / There are books.
• Here is/are: Here is your pen. / Here are your pens.
• Distances/Time: Five miles is far. / Two hours is enough.
• Money: Ten dollars is the price. / These dollars are old.

Examples of Correct Subject-Verb Agreement

• The dog runs in the park every morning.
• My friends are coming to the party tonight.
• Each of the students has completed the assignment.
• Neither the teacher nor the students were ready for the test.
• The team is practicing for the championship.
• There are many books on the shelf.
• Everyone in the class understands the lesson.
• The news about the weather is encouraging.
• Both my brother and sister live in New York.
• A group of tourists is visiting the museum.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Ignoring intervening words: ❌ "The box of books are heavy" ✅ "The box of books is heavy"
• Wrong with indefinite pronouns: ❌ "Everyone are here" ✅ "Everyone is here"
• Compound subjects with 'or': ❌ "Tom or his friends is coming" ✅ "Tom or his friends are coming"
• There is/are confusion: ❌ "There is many students" ✅ "There are many students"
• Collective nouns: ❌ "The team are winning" (when acting as one unit) ✅ "The team is winning"

Quick Quiz: Choose the Correct Verb!

Select the correct verb form:

• The group of students (is/are) studying in the library.
• Neither the cat nor the dogs (was/were) in the yard.
• Everyone (has/have) finished their homework.
• The scissors (is/are) on the table.
• Ten dollars (is/are) too much for that book.

Answers: is (group as unit), were (nearest subject "dogs"), has (everyone = singular), are (scissors = always plural), is (money as amount)

Practice Exercises

Conclusion

Subject-verb agreement is fundamental to correct English grammar. Master these rules to make your writing and speaking sound professional and grammatically correct!