Subject-verb agreement is a fundamental aspect of English grammar, ensuring that verbs correctly match their subjects in number (singular or plural). While the basic rules are straightforward, real-world application often presents complex challenges.
This article delves into these advanced scenarios, equipping you with the knowledge and skills to navigate tricky situations involving collective nouns, indefinite pronouns, compound subjects, and more. Whether you’re an advanced English learner, a teacher, or simply someone who wants to refine their grammar skills, this comprehensive guide will help you master the nuances of subject-verb agreement.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Definition of Subject-Verb Agreement
- Structural Breakdown
- Types and Categories of Subject-Verb Agreement Challenges
- Examples of Subject-Verb Agreement
- Usage Rules
- Common Mistakes
- Practice Exercises
- Advanced Topics
- FAQ
- Conclusion
Introduction
Mastering subject-verb agreement is essential for clear and effective communication in English. A strong understanding of this grammatical concept ensures that your sentences are grammatically sound and easily understood by your audience.
While basic subject-verb agreement seems simple, advanced scenarios introduce layers of complexity that require careful attention. This article provides a detailed exploration of these advanced challenges, offering practical guidance and numerous examples to help you achieve grammatical precision.
This guide is designed for advanced English learners, ESL/EFL teachers, and anyone seeking to enhance their understanding of English grammar. By working through the explanations, examples, and practice exercises, you will develop a deeper understanding of the rules governing subject-verb agreement and gain the confidence to apply them accurately in your writing and speaking.
Definition of Subject-Verb Agreement
Subject-verb agreement is the grammatical rule that the verb in a sentence must agree in number (singular or plural) with its subject. This means that a singular subject requires a singular verb, and a plural subject requires a plural verb. This agreement ensures that the sentence is grammatically correct and conveys the intended meaning clearly. The principle extends beyond simple sentences and applies to more complex sentence structures as well.
In essence, subject-verb agreement is a fundamental aspect of sentence construction in English. It contributes to the overall coherence and clarity of communication.
Without proper subject-verb agreement, sentences can sound awkward, confusing, or even grammatically incorrect. Therefore, mastering this concept is crucial for effective written and spoken English.
Structural Breakdown
The basic structure of subject-verb agreement involves identifying the subject and the verb in a sentence and ensuring that they match in number. The subject is the noun or pronoun that performs the action or is being described by the verb.
The verb is the action word or the state-of-being word that relates to the subject. Let’s explore the structural elements in more detail:
1. Singular Subject + Singular Verb: When the subject is singular, the verb must also be singular. For example, “The cat sleeps” (cat is singular, sleeps is singular).
2. Plural Subject + Plural Verb: When the subject is plural, the verb must also be plural. For example, “The cats sleep” (cats is plural, sleep is plural).
3. Identifying the Subject: Correct subject-verb agreement hinges on accurately identifying the subject of the sentence. This can be complicated by intervening phrases or clauses, which can obscure the true subject. For instance, in the sentence “The box of apples is heavy,” the subject is “box,” not “apples.”
4. Compound Subjects: Sentences with compound subjects (two or more subjects joined by a conjunction) can also pose challenges. Generally, compound subjects joined by “and” take a plural verb. However, there are exceptions, such as when the subjects refer to a single entity or idea.
5. Indefinite Pronouns: Indefinite pronouns like “everyone,” “someone,” “nobody,” and “each” are typically singular and require singular verbs, even though they may seem to refer to multiple people or things.
Types and Categories of Subject-Verb Agreement Challenges
Subject-verb agreement can become challenging in specific situations. Here’s a breakdown of common problem areas:
Collective Nouns
Collective nouns refer to a group of individuals or items as a single unit (e.g., team, family, committee, audience). They can be either singular or plural depending on whether the group is acting as a single unit or as individual members.
If the collective noun is acting as a single unit, use a singular verb. Example: “The team is playing well tonight.” If the collective noun is acting as individual members, use a plural verb. Example: “The family are disagreeing about their vacation plans.” (More common in British English).
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 can be singular or plural depending on the context (e.g., some, any, none, all, most).
Use a singular verb with singular indefinite pronouns. Example: “Everyone is invited to the party.” With indefinite pronouns that can be singular or plural, the verb agreement depends on the noun it refers to. Example: “Some of the cake is gone” (singular), “Some of the cookies are gone” (plural).
Compound Subjects
Compound subjects consist of two or more subjects joined by a conjunction. The verb agreement depends on the conjunction used and whether the subjects are considered a single unit.
Generally, compound subjects joined by “and” take a plural verb. Example: “John and Mary are going to the store.” However, if the compound subject refers to a single entity or idea, use a singular verb. Example: “Macaroni and cheese is my favorite dish.” When subjects are joined by “or” or “nor,” the verb agrees with the subject closest to it. Example: “Neither the students nor the teacher is happy with the decision.“
Intervening Phrases
Intervening phrases are phrases or clauses that come between the subject and the verb. These phrases can sometimes obscure the true subject and lead to incorrect verb agreement.
The verb must agree with the actual subject of the sentence, not the noun in the intervening phrase. Example: “The stack of books on the desk is very tall.” (The subject is “stack,” not “books“). Ignoring the intervening phrase ensures proper agreement.
Inverted Sentences
Inverted sentences are sentences in which the subject follows the verb. This often occurs in questions or sentences that begin with phrases like “here” or “there.”
Identify the subject carefully and ensure that the verb agrees with it, even though it comes after the verb. Example: “There are many reasons to be happy.” (The subject is “reasons,” which is plural).
Titles and Organizations
Titles of books, movies, and organizations are usually treated as singular, even if they contain plural words.
Use a singular verb with titles and organizations treated as a single entity. Example: “‘The Lord of the Rings’ is a popular book series.” “The United Nations is an international organization.”
Quantities and Measurements
Quantities and measurements can be tricky. When referring to a specific amount or sum, use a singular verb.
When referring to individual units, use a plural verb.
Example: “Ten dollars is too much to pay for that” (a specific amount). “Ten dollars are lying on the table” (individual units). Similarly, “Five miles is a long distance to walk” (a specific distance). “Five miles separate their houses” (individual miles).
Examples of Subject-Verb Agreement
To illustrate the concepts discussed above, here are several examples of subject-verb agreement in various contexts:
The following table demonstrates subject-verb agreement with collective nouns. Note how the verb changes depending on whether the group is acting as a single unit or as individual members.
| Sentence | Explanation |
|---|---|
| The team is playing well. | Team is acting as a single unit, so the verb is singular. |
| The team are arguing about the strategy. | Team members are acting individually, so the verb is plural (more common in British English). |
| The committee has made its decision. | Committee is acting as a single unit, so the verb is singular. |
| The committee are expressing different opinions. | Committee members are acting individually, so the verb is plural (more common in British English). |
| The family is planning a vacation. | Family is acting as a single unit, so the verb is singular. |
| The family are having breakfast. | Family is acting as a single unit, so the verb is singular. |
| The family are disagreeing about where to go. | Family members are acting individually, so the verb is plural (more common in British English). |
| The audience was captivated by the performance. | Audience is acting as a single unit, so the verb is singular. |
| The audience were clapping enthusiastically. | Audience members are acting individually, so the verb is plural (more common in British English). |
| The class is taking a test. | Class is acting as a single unit, so the verb is singular. |
| The class are working on different projects. | Class members are acting individually, so the verb is plural (more common in British English). |
| The jury has reached a verdict. | Jury is acting as a single unit, so the verb is singular. |
| The jury are divided in their opinions. | Jury members are acting individually, so the verb is plural (more common in British English). |
| The government is implementing new policies. | Government is acting as a single unit, so the verb is singular. |
| The government are debating the issue. | Government members are acting individually, so the verb is plural (more common in British English). |
| The band is playing tonight. | Band is acting as a single unit, so the verb is singular. |
| The band are tuning their instruments. | Band members are acting individually, so the verb is plural (more common in British English). |
| The staff is attending a meeting. | Staff is acting as a single unit, so the verb is singular. |
| The staff are taking turns manning the help desk. | Staff members are acting individually, so the verb is plural (more common in British English). |
| The flock of birds is flying south for the winter. | Flock is acting as a single unit, so the verb is singular. |
The following table illustrates subject-verb agreement with indefinite pronouns. Pay close attention to whether the pronoun is singular or plural in context.
| Sentence | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Everyone is welcome. | Everyone is always singular. |
| Someone has left a message. | Someone is always singular. |
| Nobody knows the answer. | Nobody is always singular. |
| Each of the students is responsible for their own work. | Each is always singular. |
| Everything is ready. | Everything is always singular. |
| Something is wrong. | Something is always singular. |
| Anybody is welcome to join us. | Anybody is always singular. |
| Nothing is impossible. | Nothing is always singular. |
| Either of the options is acceptable. | Either is usually singular. |
| Neither of them is available. | Neither is usually singular. |
| Some of the water is clean. | Some is singular because it refers to the uncountable noun water. |
| Some of the apples are rotten. | Some is plural because it refers to the countable noun apples. |
| All of the pie is gone. | All is singular because it refers to the uncountable noun pie. |
| All of the cookies are eaten. | All is plural because it refers to the countable noun cookies. |
| Most of the work is complete. | Most is singular because it refers to the uncountable noun work. |
| Most of the students are present. | Most is plural because it refers to the countable noun students. |
| None of the food is left. | None is singular because it refers to the uncountable noun food. |
| None of the chairs are broken. | None is plural because it refers to the countable noun chairs. |
| Any of the milk is fine. | Any is singular because it refers to the uncountable noun milk. |
| Any of the books are acceptable. | Any is plural because it refers to the countable noun books. |
The following table shows subject-verb agreement with compound subjects, illustrating the use of “and,” “or,” and “nor.”
| Sentence | Explanation |
|---|---|
| John and Mary are friends. | Subjects joined by “and” typically take a plural verb. |
| Peanut butter and jelly is a classic combination. | Compound subject refers to a single entity, so the verb is singular. |
| The singer and songwriter is performing tonight. | If one person is both the singer and the songwriter, the verb is singular. |
| The singer and the songwriter are performing tonight. | Two different people are performing, so the verb is plural. |
| Either John or Mary is going to the store. | Subjects joined by “or” take a verb that agrees with the subject closest to it. |
| Neither the students nor the teacher is happy. | Subjects joined by “nor” take a verb that agrees with the subject closest to it. |
| Neither the teacher nor the students are happy. | The verb agrees with “students,” which is plural. |
| The dog and the cat are playing together. | Subjects joined by “and” typically take a plural verb. |
| My brother and I are going to the movies. | Subjects joined by “and” typically take a plural verb. |
| Cake and ice cream are my favorite dessert. | Subjects joined by “and” typically take a plural verb. |
| Either the red shirt or the blue one is a good choice. | Subjects joined by “or” take a verb that agrees with the subject closest to it. |
| Neither the rain nor the snow is stopping us. | Subjects joined by “nor” take a verb that agrees with the subject closest to it. |
| The president and CEO is giving a speech. | If one person is both the president and the CEO, the verb is singular. |
| The president and the CEO are giving speeches. | Two different people are giving speeches, so the verb is plural. |
| Ham and eggs is a popular breakfast. | Compound subject refers to a single entity, so the verb is singular. |
| Either the book or the magazine is on the table. | Subjects joined by “or” take a verb that agrees with the subject closest to it. |
| Neither the players nor the coach is to blame. | Subjects joined by “nor” take a verb that agrees with the subject closest to it. |
| The actor and director is receiving an award. | If one person is both the actor and the director, the verb is singular. |
| The actor and the director are collaborating on a project. | Two different people are collaborating, so the verb is plural. |
| Spaghetti and meatballs is a delicious meal. | Compound subject refers to a single entity, so the verb is singular. |
The following table presents examples of subject-verb agreement with quantities and measurements, demonstrating when to use singular or plural verbs.
| Sentence | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Five dollars is enough to buy a coffee. | A specific amount is treated as singular. |
| Five dollars are scattered on the floor. | Individual units are treated as plural. |
| Ten miles is a long distance to run. | A specific distance is treated as singular. |
| Ten miles separate their houses. | Individual miles are treated as plural. |
| Two weeks is not enough time for a vacation. | A specific period of time is treated as singular. |
| Two weeks have passed since the event. | Individual weeks are treated as plural. |
| One hundred dollars is a lot of money. | A specific amount is treated as singular. |
| One hundred dollars were donated to the charity. | Individual units are treated as plural. |
| Three hours is enough time to complete the exam. | A specific period of time is treated as singular. |
| Three hours have gone by since we started. | Individual hours are treated as plural. |
| Fifty pounds is the maximum weight allowed. | A specific weight is treated as singular. |
| Fifty pounds of apples were harvested. | Individual units are treated as plural. |
| Twenty years is a long time to wait. | A specific period of time is treated as singular. |
| Twenty years have elapsed since the discovery. | Individual years are treated as plural. |
| Four quarts is equal to a gallon. | A specific quantity is treated as singular. |
| Four quarts of milk were spilled. | Individual units are treated as plural. |
| Six feet is the standard door height. | A specific measurement is treated as singular. |
| Six feet of snow fell during the storm. | Individual units are treated as plural. |
| One million dollars is a substantial amount of money. | A specific amount is treated as singular. |
| One million dollars were spent on the project. | Individual units are treated as plural. |
Usage Rules
Here are some key rules to remember for accurate subject-verb agreement:
1. Identify the Subject: Always identify the true subject of the sentence. Ignore intervening phrases and clauses that might confuse the agreement.
2. Singular vs. Plural: Determine whether the subject is singular or plural. This is crucial for selecting the correct verb form.
3. Collective Nouns: Decide whether the collective noun is acting as a single unit or as individual members. Use a singular verb for the former and a plural verb for the latter (especially in British English).
4. Indefinite Pronouns: Remember which indefinite pronouns are always singular (e.g., everyone, nobody) and which can be singular or plural depending on the context (e.g., some, all).
5. Compound Subjects: Use a plural verb for compound subjects joined by “and,” unless they refer to a single entity. When subjects are joined by “or” or “nor,” the verb agrees with the subject closest to it.
6. Inverted Sentences: In inverted sentences, locate the subject after the verb and ensure the verb agrees with it.
7. Titles and Organizations: Treat titles and organizations as singular, even if they contain plural words.
8. Quantities and Measurements: Use a singular verb for specific amounts and a plural verb for individual units.
Common Mistakes
Here are some common mistakes to avoid in subject-verb agreement:
1. Ignoring Intervening Phrases:
* Incorrect: The box of chocolates are delicious.
* Correct: The box of chocolates is delicious.
2. Misidentifying Compound Subjects:
* Incorrect: John and Mary is going to the store.
* Correct: John and Mary are going to the store.
3. Incorrect Use of Indefinite Pronouns:
* Incorrect: Everyone are invited.
* Correct: Everyone is invited.
4. Misunderstanding Collective Nouns:
* Incorrect: The team are playing well. (When referring to the team as a unit)
* Correct: The team is playing well.
5. Incorrect Agreement with “There is/are”:
* Incorrect: There is many reasons to be happy.
* Correct: There are many reasons to be happy.
6. Confusing Titles and Plural Nouns:
* Incorrect: Great Expectations are a novel by Dickens.
* Correct: Great Expectations is a novel by Dickens.
7. Incorrect Use of Quantities:
* Incorrect: Ten dollars are enough to buy lunch.
* Correct: Ten dollars is enough to buy lunch.
Practice Exercises
Test your understanding of subject-verb agreement with the following exercises. Choose the correct verb form in each sentence.
Exercise 1: Basic Agreement
| Question | Correct Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. The dog (barks/bark) loudly. | barks |
| 2. The dogs (barks/bark) loudly. | bark |
| 3. She (has/have) a new car. | has |
| 4. They (has/have) a new house. | have |
| 5. It (is/are) raining outside. | is |
| 6. We (is/are) going to the park. | are |
| 7. He (plays/play) the guitar. | plays |
| 8. I (plays/play) the piano. | play |
| 9. The book (is/are) on the table. | is |
| 10. The books (is/are) on the shelf. | are |
Exercise 2: Collective Nouns
| Question | Correct Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. The team (is/are) practicing hard. | is |
| 2. The family (is/are) planning a trip. | is |
| 3. The committee (has/have) made a decision. | has |
| 4. The audience (was/were) impressed by the performance. | was |
| 5. The class (is/are) taking a test. | is |
| 6. The jury (has/have) reached a verdict. | has |
| 7. The government (is/are) implementing new policies. | is |
| 8. The band (is/are) playing tonight. | is |
| 9. The staff (is/are) attending a meeting. | is |
| 10. The flock of birds (is/are) flying south. | is |
Exercise 3: Indefinite Pronouns
| Question | Correct Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. Everyone (is/are) invited. | is |
| 2. Someone (has/have) left a message. | has |
| 3. Nobody (knows/know) the answer. | knows |
| 4. Each of the students (is/are) responsible. | is |
| 5. Everything (is/are) ready. | is |
| 6. Some of the water (is/are) clean. | is |
| 7. Some of the apples (is/are) rotten. | are |
| 8. All of the pie (is/are) gone. | is |
| 9. All of the cookies (is/are) eaten. | are |
| 10. None of the food (is/are) left. | is |
Exercise 4: Compound Subjects
| Question | Correct Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. John and Mary (is/are) friends. | are |
| 2. Peanut butter and jelly (is/are) a classic. | is |
| 3. Either John or Mary (is/are) going. | is |
| 4. Neither the students nor the teacher (is/are) happy. | is |
| 5. The dog and the cat (is/are) playing. | are |
| 6. My brother and I (is/are) going. | are |
| 7. Cake and ice cream (is/are) my favorite. | are |
| 8. Either the red shirt or the blue one (is/are) good. | is |
| 9. Neither the rain nor the snow (is/are) stopping us. | is |
| 10. The president and CEO (is/are) giving a speech. | is |
Advanced Topics
For advanced learners, it’s important to consider more nuanced aspects of subject-verb agreement:
1. Sentences Beginning with “What”: The verb agreement depends on whether “what” refers to a singular or plural concept. Example: “What I need is a vacation” (singular). “What I need are new shoes” (plural).
2. Relative Clauses: The verb in a relative clause must agree with the noun it refers to. Example: “He is one of the students who study hard” (who refers to students, so the verb is plural).
3. Expressions of Time, Money, and Distance: These can be treated as singular or plural depending on the context. Example: “Ten years is a long time” (singular). “The last ten years have been difficult” (plural).
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about subject-verb agreement:
1. What is the most common mistake in subject-verb agreement?
The most common mistake is failing to correctly identify the subject of the sentence, especially when there are intervening phrases or clauses. This can lead to the verb agreeing with the wrong noun.
2. How do I handle collective nouns?
Collective nouns can be tricky. 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 (though this is more common in British English).
3. What about indefinite pronouns like “some” and “all”?
Indefinite pronouns like “some,” “all,” “any,” and “none” can be singular or plural depending on the noun they refer to. If they refer to an uncountable noun, they are singular. If they refer to a countable noun, they are plural.
4. How does “either/or” and “neither/nor” affect subject-verb agreement?
When subjects are joined by “either/or” or “neither/nor,” the verb agrees with the subject closest to it.
5. What should I do when a sentence starts with “there is” or “there are”?
In sentences that begin with “there is” or “there are,” the subject comes after the verb. Make sure the verb agrees with the subject that follows it.
6. Are titles of books and movies singular or plural?
Titles of books, movies, and other works are generally treated as singular, even if they contain plural words.
7. How do I handle quantities and measurements?
Quantities and measurements can be treated as singular or plural depending on the context. Use a singular verb for specific amounts and a plural verb for individual units.
8. What if the subject and verb are separated by a long phrase?
Always identify the true subject of the sentence and ensure that the verb agrees with it, regardless of any intervening phrases or clauses.
Conclusion
Mastering subject-verb agreement is a crucial step in achieving fluency and accuracy in English. While the basic principles are straightforward, the advanced challenges presented by collective nouns, indefinite pronouns, compound subjects, and other complex scenarios require careful attention and practice.
By understanding the rules and applying them consistently, you can ensure that your writing and speaking are clear, coherent, and grammatically correct.
This guide has provided a comprehensive overview of these advanced topics, offering numerous examples and practical tips to help you navigate tricky situations. Continue to practice and refine your skills, and you’ll be well-equipped to handle any subject-verb agreement challenge that comes your way.
Remember, consistent practice and attention to detail are key to mastering this essential aspect of English grammar.