Subject-Verb Agreement

Subject-verb agreement refers to the agreement in number (singular or plural) and person (first person, second person, third person) between the subject of a sentence and the verb. In English, the verb must match the number and person of the subject to maintain grammatical correctness.

Rules of Subject-Verb Agreement

To achieve subject-verb agreement, certain rules must be followed. Let’s explore these rules to understand how to maintain harmony between the subject and verb:

1. Singular Subjects with Singular Verbs

When the subject of a sentence is singular, the verb should also be singular.

Example:

She is a talented musician.

2. Plural Subjects with Plural Verbs

When the subject of a sentence is plural, the verb should also be plural.

Example:

They are attending the conference.

3. Third Person Singular with “-s” Verb

In the present tense, when the subject is a third person singular noun (he, she, it), the verb should end with “-s” or “-es.”

Example:

• He runs five miles every morning.
• She eats an apple every day.

4. Singular Indefinite Pronouns

Singular indefinite pronouns (e.g., everyone, anybody, nobody, someone) take singular verbs.

Example:

Everyone knows the answer.

5. Plural Indefinite Pronouns

Plural indefinite pronouns (e.g., both, many, few, several) take plural verbs.

Example:

Many students have passed the test.

6. Collective Nouns

Collective nouns (e.g., team, family, group) can take singular or plural verbs, depending on whether the group is considered as a single unit or as individuals.

Example:

• The team is winning the match. (Considered as a single unit)
• The team are arguing among themselves. (Considered as individuals)

7. Compound Subjects

Compound subjects connected by “and” take plural verbs.

Example:

Jack and Jill are good friends.

8. Subjects Joined by “or,” “nor,” or “either…or”:

When subjects are joined by “or,” “nor,” or “either…or,” the verb agrees with the nearer subject.

Example:

Neither the cat nor the dogs like the rain.

9. Subjects with “each” or “every”

Subjects with “each” or “every” take singular verbs.

Example:

• Each student knows the answer.
• Every flower blooms in spring.

Common Challenges in Subject-Verb Agreement

While subject-verb agreement may seem straightforward, some common challenges can arise in its application. Let’s address these challenges to ensure accurate and effective communication.

1. Agreement with Collective Nouns

Collective nouns can be tricky as they can take singular or plural verbs depending on the context.

Incorrect: The family is going on vacation. (Should be plural if considering individuals)

Correct: The family are discussing their plans. (Considered as individuals)

2. Subject-Verb Agreement with Indefinite Pronouns

Ensure that singular indefinite pronouns take singular verbs, and plural indefinite pronouns take plural verbs.

Incorrect: Everyone have completed their assignments.

Correct: Everyone has completed their assignments.

3. Proper Agreement with Compound Subjects

When using compound subjects, ensure that the verb agrees with the number of the subjects.

Incorrect: Tom and Jerry is best friends.

Correct: Tom and Jerry are best friends.