Mastering Subject-Verb Agreement: Simple Rules & Examples 2025

Subject-verb agreement is a fundamental concept in English grammar, ensuring that sentences are grammatically correct and easily understood. It dictates that the verb in a sentence must agree in number (singular or plural) with its subject.

Mastering this concept is crucial for clear and effective communication, whether you’re writing an academic paper, a business email, or simply engaging in everyday conversation. This article provides a comprehensive guide to subject-verb agreement, covering essential rules, common exceptions, and practical examples.

It’s designed for English language learners of all levels, from beginners to advanced speakers, and anyone seeking to improve their writing and speaking skills.

Table of Contents

Definition of Subject-Verb Agreement

Subject-verb agreement, at its core, is the grammatical rule that the verb in a sentence must match its subject in number. This means that if the subject is singular, the verb must also be singular, and if the subject is plural, the verb must be plural as well.

This agreement ensures clarity and grammatical correctness in writing and speaking. It helps avoid confusion and makes the intended meaning of a sentence immediately clear to the reader or listener.

Without proper subject-verb agreement, sentences can sound awkward or even be misinterpreted.

In English, subject-verb agreement primarily affects the present tense. The past tense form of most verbs remains the same regardless of whether the subject is singular or plural (e.g., I walked, they walked). However, in the present tense, the verb form changes depending on the subject. For example, we say “He walks” (singular) but “They walk” (plural). Understanding and applying this rule correctly is essential for constructing grammatically sound sentences.

Subject-verb agreement plays a crucial role in ensuring grammatical correctness and clarity in sentences. It helps to avoid confusion and misinterpretation by making sure the verb form corresponds with its subject in number.

This grammatical principle is a fundamental aspect of English language proficiency, affecting both written and spoken communication. Its importance extends to all forms of communication, from casual conversations to formal writing, ensuring that the intended meaning is conveyed accurately and effectively.

Structural Breakdown

The basic structure of a sentence involving subject-verb agreement is straightforward: Subject + Verb (+ Object/Complement). The key is to correctly identify the subject and then choose the verb form that agrees with it. The subject is the noun or pronoun that performs the action or is being described in the sentence. The verb is the action word or state of being.

To determine the correct verb form, first, identify the subject. Is it singular or plural? Once you’ve identified the subject’s number, select the corresponding verb form. For instance, with a singular subject like “the cat,” you would use a singular verb form like “sits” (The cat sits on the mat). Conversely, with a plural subject like “the cats,” you would use a plural verb form like “sit” (The cats sit on the mat). This fundamental understanding forms the basis for more complex applications of subject-verb agreement.

Furthermore, it’s important to note that certain sentence structures can complicate subject-verb agreement. For example, sentences beginning with “there is” or “there are” require careful attention to the noun following the verb. The noun determines whether the verb should be singular or plural (e.g., There is a book on the table; There are books on the table). Similarly, sentences with intervening phrases or clauses between the subject and verb can sometimes lead to errors in agreement. Therefore, a thorough understanding of sentence structure is vital for mastering subject-verb agreement.

Types and Categories of Subject-Verb Agreement

Singular Subjects

A singular subject refers to one person, place, thing, or idea. Singular subjects require singular verb forms. For example, “He,” “She,” “It,” “The dog,” and “My sister” are all singular subjects.

Plural Subjects

A plural subject refers to more than one person, place, thing, or idea. Plural subjects require plural verb forms. Examples of plural subjects include “They,” “We,” “The dogs,” and “My sisters.”

Compound Subjects

A compound subject consists of two or more subjects joined by a conjunction such as “and,” “or,” or “nor.” When subjects are joined by “and,” they generally take a plural verb. However, if the compound subject refers to a single idea or entity, it takes a singular verb. If subjects are joined by “or” or “nor,” the verb agrees with the subject closest to it.

Collective Nouns

Collective nouns refer to a group of people or things considered as a single unit. Examples include “team,” “family,” “committee,” and “audience.” Collective nouns can take either singular or plural verbs, depending on whether the group is acting as a single unit or as individual members. If the group is acting as a single unit, use a singular verb. If the members of the group are acting individually, use a plural verb.

Indefinite Pronouns

Indefinite pronouns refer to nonspecific persons or things. Some indefinite pronouns are always singular (e.g., “each,” “every,” “everyone,” “someone,” “nobody“), while others are always plural (e.g., “both,” “few,” “many,” “several“). Some indefinite pronouns can be either singular or plural, depending on the context (e.g., “some,” “any,” “none,” “all,” “most“).

Intervening Phrases

An intervening phrase is a group of words that comes between the subject and the verb. These phrases can sometimes make it difficult to identify the correct subject and verb agreement. It’s important to ignore the intervening phrase and focus on the actual subject to determine the correct verb form. Prepositional phrases are the most common type of intervening phrases (e.g., “The box of chocolates is on the table“). Make sure the verb agrees with ‘box’ and not ‘chocolates’.

Examples of Subject-Verb Agreement

The following tables provide extensive examples of subject-verb agreement across different categories. Each table focuses on a specific type of subject, illustrating how the verb changes to maintain agreement.

Table 1: Singular Subjects

This table illustrates subject-verb agreement with singular subjects. The verb form changes to agree with the singular noun or pronoun, ensuring grammatical correctness.

Subject Verb Example Sentence
He is He is a talented musician.
She walks She walks to school every day.
It rains It rains frequently in this region.
The dog barks The dog barks at strangers.
My sister works My sister works as a teacher.
The book is The book is on the table.
A bird sings A bird sings beautifully in the morning.
This car runs This car runs smoothly.
That house looks That house looks very old.
The student studies The student studies hard for exams.
The teacher explains The teacher explains the lesson clearly.
My mother cooks My mother cooks delicious meals.
The sun shines The sun shines brightly today.
The moon appears The moon appears in the night sky.
A flower blooms A flower blooms in the spring.
This phone rings This phone rings often.
That tree grows That tree grows tall.
The computer works The computer works efficiently.
My friend lives My friend lives in another city.
The movie starts The movie starts at 7 PM.
The play begins The play begins promptly.
The song sounds The song sounds beautiful.
The idea seems The idea seems promising.
The problem remains The problem remains unsolved.
The solution works The solution works perfectly.
The question arises The question arises frequently.
The answer is The answer is correct.
The building stands The building stands tall.
The restaurant serves The restaurant serves excellent food.

Table 2: Plural Subjects

This table demonstrates subject-verb agreement with plural subjects. Note how the verb takes its plural form to match the multiple subjects in each sentence.

Subject Verb Example Sentence
They are They are going to the party.
We walk We walk to school together.
The dogs bark The dogs bark at the mailman.
My sisters work My sisters work in different fields.
The books are The books are on the shelves.
Birds sing Birds sing in the early morning.
These cars run These cars run very fast.
Those houses look Those houses look similar.
The students study The students study together.
The teachers explain The teachers explain the concepts well.
My parents cook My parents cook every Sunday.
The stars shine The stars shine at night.
The planets orbit The planets orbit the sun.
Flowers bloom Flowers bloom in the garden.
These phones ring These phones ring simultaneously.
Those trees grow Those trees grow quickly.
The computers work The computers work efficiently.
My friends live My friends live nearby.
The movies start The movies start late.
The plays begin The plays begin at different times.
The songs sound The songs sound amazing.
The ideas seem The ideas seem innovative.
The problems remain The problems remain unresolved.
The solutions work The solutions work effectively.
The questions arise The questions arise frequently.
The answers are The answers are correct.
The buildings stand The buildings stand majestically.
The restaurants serve The restaurants serve diverse cuisines.
Children play Children play in the park.
Students learn Students learn new things every day.

Table 3: Compound Subjects

This table explores subject-verb agreement with compound subjects, joined by ‘and’, ‘or’, and ‘nor’. Pay attention to how the verb form is determined based on the conjunction used.

Subject Verb Example Sentence
John and Mary are John and Mary are going to the concert.
The dog and the cat play The dog and the cat play together in the yard.
Coffee and donuts is Coffee and donuts is my favorite breakfast. (Considered as one item.)
My brother or my sister is My brother or my sister is going to pick me up.
Neither the students nor the teacher was Neither the students nor the teacher was present at the meeting.
The car and the motorcycle need The car and the motorcycle need to be repaired.
The book and the pen are The book and the pen are on the desk.
Ice cream and cake is Ice cream and cake is a classic dessert. (Considered as one item.)
My mom or dad is My mom or dad is coming to the game.
Neither the cat nor the dogs are Neither the cat nor the dogs are allowed on the couch.
Pizza and beer is Pizza and beer is a great combination. (Considered as one item.)
The singer and the dancer are The singer and the dancer are performing tonight.
The house and the garden look The house and the garden look beautiful.
Peanut butter and jelly is Peanut butter and jelly is a popular sandwich. (Considered as one item.)
My uncle or my aunt is My uncle or my aunt is visiting us.
Neither the rain nor the snow is Neither the rain nor the snow is stopping us.
The actor and the director are The actor and the director are collaborating on a new project.
The shirt and the pants fit The shirt and the pants fit perfectly.
Macaroni and cheese is Macaroni and cheese is a comfort food. (Considered as one item.)
My cousin or my friend is My cousin or my friend is going to help us.
Neither the wind nor the waves were Neither the wind nor the waves were calm that day.
The artist and the writer are The artist and the writer are creating a new comic book.
The table and the chairs are The table and the chairs are in the dining room.
Bacon and eggs is Bacon and eggs is a common breakfast. (Considered as one item.)
The coach or the players are The coach or the players are making the decision.
Neither the keys nor the wallet was Neither the keys nor the wallet was found.
The singer and the band are The singer and the band are performing live.
The flowers and the vase are The flowers and the vase are on the table.
Soup and salad is Soup and salad is a light lunch. (Considered as one item.)

Table 4: Collective Nouns

This table illustrates how collective nouns can take singular or plural verbs depending on whether the group is acting as a unit or as individuals.

Subject Verb Example Sentence
The team is The team is practicing hard for the championship. (Acting as a unit)
The team are The team are arguing about who gets which award. (Acting as individuals)
The family is The family is planning a vacation together. (Acting as a unit)
The family are The family are disagreeing about where to go. (Acting as individuals)
The committee meets The committee meets every Tuesday. (Acting as a unit)
The committee have The committee have different opinions on the matter. (Acting as individuals)
The audience is The audience is enjoying the performance. (Acting as a unit)
The audience are The audience are clapping enthusiastically. (Acting as individuals)
The class is The class is taking a test today. (Acting as a unit)
The class are The class are working on different projects. (Acting as individuals)
The jury is The jury is delivering its verdict. (Acting as a unit)
The jury are The jury are unable to agree on a verdict. (Acting as individuals)
The flock flies The flock flies south for the winter. (Acting as a unit)
The flock scatter The flock scatter in different directions. (Acting as individuals)
The band plays The band plays at the concert tonight. (Acting as a unit)
The band are The band are tuning their instruments. (Acting as individuals)
The group is The group is working on a project. (Acting as a unit)
The group have The group have different tasks to complete. (Acting as individuals)
The staff is The staff is attending a training session. (Acting as a unit)
The staff are The staff are taking turns answering phones. (Acting as individuals)
The government is The government is implementing new policies. (Acting as a unit)
The government are The government are debating the new bill. (Acting as individuals)
The company is The company is launching a new product. (Acting as a unit)
The company are The company are investing in different projects. (Acting as individuals)
The crowd cheers The crowd cheers for the team. (Acting as a unit)
The crowd are The crowd are dispersing after the event. (Acting as individuals)
The board decides The board decides on the new strategy. (Acting as a unit)
The board have The board have different opinions on the matter. (Acting as individuals)
The union negotiates The union negotiates for better wages. (Acting as a unit)
The union are The union are voting on the new contract. (Acting as individuals)

Table 5: Indefinite Pronouns

This table showcases subject-verb agreement with indefinite pronouns, highlighting the distinction between singular and plural pronouns.

Subject Verb Example Sentence
Each is Each of the students is responsible for their own work.
Every has Every student has a textbook.
Everyone is Everyone is welcome to attend.
Someone is Someone is knocking at the door.
Nobody knows Nobody knows the answer.
Both are Both of them are going to the party.
Few were Few were chosen for the team.
Many are Many are called, but few are chosen.
Several have Several have already completed the assignment.
Some is / are Some of the cake is gone. / Some of the students are absent.
Any is / are Is any of the milk left? / Are any of the tickets available?
None is / are None of the food is left. / None of the cookies are remaining.
All is / are All of the water is gone. / All of the students are present.
Most is / are Most of the work is done. / Most of the employees are satisfied.
Everything is Everything is going according to plan.
Something is Something is bothering him.
Nothing is Nothing is impossible.
Either is Either option is acceptable.
Neither is Neither of them is available.
One is One of the books is missing.
Another is Another cup of coffee is needed.
Much is Much of the work is still undone.
Little is Little is known about his past.
Enough is / are Enough of the food is prepared. / Enough of the guests are arriving.
More is / are More of the coffee is needed. / More of the people are coming.
A lot is / are A lot of time is needed. / A lot of people are coming.
The rest is / are The rest of the cake is delicious. / The rest of the students are ready.
Any one is Any one of these options is fine.
Each one is Each one of the candidates is qualified.

Usage Rules for Subject-Verb Agreement

Rule 1: Basic Agreement

A singular subject takes a singular verb, and a plural subject takes a plural verb. This is the fundamental rule of subject-verb agreement and the foundation for all other rules.

Rule 2: Compound Subjects

Subjects joined by “and” usually take a plural verb. However, if the subjects refer to the same person or thing, or are considered a single unit, they take a singular verb. Subjects joined by “or” or “nor” take a verb that agrees with the subject closest to the verb.

Rule 3: Collective Nouns

Collective nouns take a singular verb when the group is considered as a single unit and a plural verb when the members of the group are considered individually.

Rule 4: Indefinite Pronouns

Most indefinite pronouns are singular and take a singular verb. However, some indefinite pronouns can be singular or plural depending on the context. Common singular indefinite pronouns include each, every, everyone, someone, somebody, nobody, no one, anyone, anybody, either, neither, one, another, much, little. Common plural indefinite pronouns include both, few, many, several. Indefinite pronouns like some, any, none, all, most can be singular or plural depending on the noun they refer to.

Rule 5: Intervening Phrases

Phrases or clauses that come between the subject and the verb do not affect subject-verb agreement. The verb must agree with the actual subject of the sentence, not with any nouns or pronouns in the intervening phrase.

Rule 6: “There is/are”

In sentences that begin with “there is” or “there are,” the subject follows the verb. The verb must agree with the noun that follows it. If the noun is singular, use “there is.” If the noun is plural, use “there are.”

Rule 7: Nouns Plural in Form, Singular in Meaning

Some nouns are plural in form but singular in meaning and take a singular verb. Examples include “news,” “mathematics,” “physics,” and “economics.”

Rule 8: Titles of Works

Titles of books, movies, and other works are treated as singular, even if they contain plural words. Therefore, they take a singular verb.

Common Mistakes in Subject-Verb Agreement

One of the most common mistakes is overlooking intervening phrases. For example:

  • Incorrect: The box of chocolates are on the table.
  • Correct: The box of chocolates is on the table.

Another frequent error involves compound subjects:

  • Incorrect: John and Mary is going to the store.
  • Correct: John and Mary are going to the store.

Mistakes also occur with indefinite pronouns:

  • Incorrect: Everyone are invited to the party.
  • Correct: Everyone is invited to the party.

Confusion with collective nouns is also common:

  • Incorrect: The team is arguing about their bonuses (when acting as individuals).
  • Correct: The team are arguing about their bonuses.

Finally, watch out for sentences starting with ‘there is/are’

  • Incorrect: There is many reasons to visit the museum.
  • Correct: There are many reasons to visit the museum.

Practice Exercises

Exercise 1: Choose the correct verb form.

For each sentence, select the verb form that correctly agrees with the subject.

Question Options Answer
The dog (barks/bark) loudly. a) barks b) bark a) barks
They (is/are) going to the park. a) is b) are b) are
Each of the students (has/have) a book. a) has b) have a) has
The team (is/are) playing well. a) is b) are a) is
My sister and I (am/are) going shopping. a) am b) are b) are
There (is/are

is/are) a cat on the roof.

 a) is b) are a) is
Mathematics (is/are) my favorite subject. a) is b) are a) is
The news (is/are) reporting a major event. a) is b) are a) is
The children (play/plays) in the yard. a) play b) plays a) play
Every student (need/needs) to study. a) need b) needs b) needs
Some of the water (is/are) gone. a) is b) are a) is
All of the tickets (is/are) sold. a) is b) are b) are
The committee (meets/meet) weekly. a) meets b) meet a) meets
The band (is/are) playing tonight. a) is b) are a) is
Neither John nor his friends (is/are) available. a) is b) are b) are
Each of the girls (dance/dances) well. a) dance b) dances b) dances
The dog, along with its puppies, (is/are) sleeping. a) is b) are a) is
The books that I ordered (has/have) arrived. a) has b) have b) have
My family (is/are) coming for dinner. a) is b) are a) is
The rest of the money (is/are) missing. a) is b) are a) is

Exercise 2: Identify and correct the errors.

Find the sentences with subject-verb agreement errors and correct them.

  1. Each of the players are trying their best. Each of the players is trying their best.
  2. The books on the shelf is mine. The books on the shelf are mine.
  3. My brother and sister is visiting next week. My brother and sister are visiting next week.
  4. There is many reasons to be happy. There are many reasons to be happy.
  5. Everyone are excited about the trip. Everyone is excited about the trip.
  6. The team are playing really well tonight. The team is playing really well tonight.
  7. Some of the pie are missing. Some of the pie is missing.
  8. The news are very interesting today. The news is very interesting today.
  9. Mathematics are a difficult subject. Mathematics is a difficult subject.
  10. Neither John nor Mary are going to the party. Neither John nor Mary is going to the party.

Advanced Topics in Subject-Verb Agreement

Inverted Sentences

Inverted sentences occur when the subject does not precede the verb as in normal sentence structure. This often happens in questions or when a sentence begins with a prepositional phrase.

Example: Behind the house lie the gardens.

In this sentence, the subject “gardens” comes after the verb “lie”.

Relative Clauses

A relative clause is a clause that modifies a noun. The verb in a relative clause must agree with the noun it modifies.

Example: The book that is on the table is mine.

Here, the verb “is” in the relative clause “that is on the table” agrees with the singular noun “book”.

Subjunctive Mood

The subjunctive mood is used to express wishes, suggestions, or conditions that are contrary to fact. In the subjunctive mood, the verb form does not change to agree with the subject.

Example: I suggest that he be on time.

Here, “be” is used instead of “is” or “are” regardless of the subject.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why is subject-verb agreement important?

Subject-verb agreement is crucial for ensuring clarity and grammatical correctness in your writing and speaking. It helps avoid confusion and makes your intended meaning clear to the reader or listener.

How do I identify the subject in a sentence?

The subject is the noun or pronoun that performs the action or is being described in the sentence. Look for the word or phrase that the verb is referring to.

What if there are multiple subjects in a sentence?

If the subjects are joined by “and,” use a plural verb unless they refer to the same entity or idea. If the subjects are joined by “or” or “nor,” the verb agrees with the subject closest to it.

How do I handle collective nouns?

Collective nouns can take singular or plural verbs, depending on whether the group is acting as a single unit or as individual members. Use a singular verb if the group is acting as a unit, and a plural verb if the members are acting individually.

What about indefinite pronouns?

Some indefinite pronouns are always singular (e.g., each, every, everyone), while others are always plural (e.g., both, few, many). Some can be either singular or plural, depending on the context (e.g., some, any, none, all, most).

What if there’s an intervening phrase between the subject and verb?

Ignore the intervening phrase and focus on the actual subject to determine the correct verb form. The verb must agree with the subject, not with any nouns or pronouns in the intervening phrase.

Conclusion

Mastering subject-verb agreement is essential for effective communication in English. By understanding the basic rules, recognizing common exceptions, and practicing regularly, you can improve the clarity and accuracy of your writing and speaking skills.

Remember to identify the subject correctly, pay attention to compound subjects and collective nouns, and be mindful of intervening phrases. With consistent effort, you can avoid common mistakes and ensure that your sentences are grammatically sound.

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