Subject-verb agreement is one of the fundamental rules in English grammar, ensuring that the subject and verb in a sentence correspond correctly in number and person. Mastering this concept is essential for writing and speaking accurately, as incorrect agreement can make sentences confusing or grammatically incorrect. While the basic principle is straightforward singular subjects take singular verbs, and plural subjects take plural verbs there are numerous exceptions and nuances that learners must understand. From collective nouns to compound subjects, irregular forms, and phrases that come between the subject and verb, subject-verb agreement rules help maintain clarity and coherence in communication. Understanding these rules allows writers and speakers to convey their ideas more effectively and avoid common grammatical mistakes.
Basic Rules of Subject-Verb Agreement
The simplest rule of subject-verb agreement is that the verb must match the subject in number. A singular subject takes a singular verb, while a plural subject takes a plural verb. For example, The cat runs fast uses a singular verb because cat is singular, whereas The cats run fast uses a plural verb because cats is plural. In English, this rule also extends to different tenses and forms of the verb, making it important to pay attention to both the subject and the time frame of the action.
Examples of Basic Agreement
- Singular subject She walks to school every day.
- Plural subject They walk to school every day.
- Singular subject in past tense The dog barked loudly.
- Plural subject in past tense The dogs barked loudly.
Agreement with Compound Subjects
Compound subjects consist of two or more nouns joined by conjunctions like and or or. When subjects are joined by and, the verb is usually plural because more than one person or thing is involved. For example, Tom and Jerry are best friends. However, when subjects are joined by or or nor, the verb should agree with the subject closest to it. This can sometimes confuse learners, but understanding the placement of subjects helps determine the correct verb form.
Examples of Compound Subject Agreement
- With and My brother and sister are attending the concert.
- With or Either the teacher or the students are responsible for this project.
- With nor Neither the manager nor the employees were present at the meeting.
Agreement with Collective Nouns
Collective nouns refer to a group of individuals considered as one unit, such as team, family, or committee. Whether the verb is singular or plural depends on whether the group is acting as a single entity or as individuals. For instance, The team is winning the game treats the team as a single unit, while The team are arguing among themselves emphasizes individual actions within the group. Context plays a critical role in determining the correct verb form with collective nouns.
Agreement with Indefinite Pronouns
Indefinite pronouns, such as everyone, someone, each, nobody, and anyone, are usually singular and take singular verbs. For example, Everyone is invited to the party. However, some indefinite pronouns like both, few, many, and several are plural and take plural verbs, as in Many were late to the meeting. Knowing which pronouns are singular or plural is essential to maintain proper subject-verb agreement.
Examples of Pronoun Agreement
- Singular Each of the students is responsible for their homework.
- Plural Several of the books are missing from the shelf.
Subjects Separated from Verbs
Sometimes, additional words or phrases come between the subject and the verb, which can make agreement tricky. Words such as along with, as well as, in addition to, and together with do not change the number of the subject. The verb should still agree with the main subject, not the intervening words. For example, The teacher, along with her assistants, is preparing the lesson plan. Here, teacher is the main subject, so the singular verb is is correct.
Examples of Agreement with Intervening Phrases
- The captain, along with his crew, is arriving soon.
- The book, together with its illustrations, was donated to the library.
Agreement with Titles, Quantities, and Amounts
Titles of books, movies, or other works are considered singular, even if they appear plural, and take singular verbs. For example, The Chronicles of Narnia is my favorite book series. Additionally, quantities, measurements, or sums of money may take singular or plural verbs depending on whether the amount is considered as a whole or as individual units. For instance, Ten dollars is enough to buy lunch (singular, treated as a single sum) versus Ten dollars were scattered across the floor (plural, treated as individual units).
Examples of Titles and Quantities
- The Lord of the Rings is an epic fantasy novel.
- Fifty miles is too far to walk in one day.
- Several liters of water were poured into the tank.
Special Cases and Exceptions
English has several exceptions and tricky cases for subject-verb agreement. Some nouns are plural in form but singular in meaning, like news, mathematics, or physics, and take singular verbs The news is shocking. Some nouns are singular in form but plural in meaning, such as scissors or trousers, and take plural verbs The scissors are on the table. Additionally, titles of organizations or companies are generally singular Apple is releasing a new product. Being aware of these exceptions is essential for accurate usage.
Examples of Special Cases
- The news is spreading quickly.
- Mathematics is my favorite subject.
- My jeans are in the laundry.
Tips for Mastering Subject-Verb Agreement
Consistent practice and attention to detail are key to mastering subject-verb agreement. Here are some practical tips
- Always identify the main subject before choosing the verb.
- Be cautious with intervening phrases and words that may distract from the main subject.
- Learn which indefinite pronouns are singular and which are plural.
- Pay attention to collective nouns and consider whether the group is acting as one or as individuals.
- Practice reading and writing sentences aloud to hear if the subject and verb sound correct.
- Review exceptions and irregular cases regularly to avoid common mistakes.
The rules of subject-verb agreement are essential for clear and grammatically correct English. From basic singular and plural forms to compound subjects, collective nouns, indefinite pronouns, and special cases, understanding how to match subjects with verbs is critical for effective communication. Mastery of subject-verb agreement not only improves writing and speaking accuracy but also enhances comprehension and confidence in using the language. By applying these rules consistently and practicing regularly, learners can avoid common errors and convey their ideas with precision and clarity, ensuring that every sentence is grammatically sound and easy to understand.