Mastering verb endings and subject-verb agreement is crucial for constructing grammatically correct and clear sentences in English. This guide explores the intricacies of this fundamental aspect of English grammar, providing a detailed explanation suitable for learners of all levels.
From basic rules to advanced concepts, we’ll cover everything you need to know to ensure your verbs align perfectly with their subjects, enhancing the precision and professionalism of your writing and speaking. This article will benefit students, ESL learners, writers, and anyone looking to refine their English grammar skills.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Definition of Subject-Verb Agreement
- Structural Breakdown
- Types of Subject-Verb Agreement
- Examples of Subject-Verb Agreement
- Usage Rules
- Common Mistakes
- Practice Exercises
- Advanced Topics
- FAQ
- Conclusion
Introduction
Subject-verb agreement is a cornerstone of English grammar. It ensures that verbs match their subjects in number (singular or plural).
A solid understanding of this concept is essential for clear and effective communication. Errors in subject-verb agreement can lead to confusion and detract from the overall quality of your writing and speech.
Whether you’re writing an academic paper, crafting a business email, or simply engaging in conversation, mastering this skill will significantly improve your language proficiency.
This article provides a comprehensive guide to subject-verb agreement, covering everything from the basic rules to more complex scenarios. We’ll explore various types of subjects, including singular, plural, compound, collective, and indefinite pronouns, and how they affect verb conjugation.
We’ll also delve into common mistakes and provide practice exercises to reinforce your understanding. By the end of this article, you’ll have a firm grasp of subject-verb agreement and be able to apply it confidently in your writing and speaking.
Definition of Subject-Verb Agreement
Subject-verb agreement, also known as subject-verb concord, is a fundamental principle in English grammar that dictates the verb in a sentence must agree in number with its subject. In simpler terms, if the subject is singular, the verb must be singular, and if the subject is plural, the verb must be plural.
This agreement ensures that the sentence is grammatically correct and conveys the intended meaning clearly.
The primary function of subject-verb agreement is to maintain consistency and clarity in sentence structure. It helps the reader or listener understand the relationship between the subject and the action being performed.
Without proper agreement, sentences can sound awkward, confusing, or even incorrect. Subject-verb agreement is crucial in all forms of writing and speaking, from casual conversations to formal academic papers.
The concept of subject-verb agreement is mostly noticeable in the present tense. In the past tense, the verb form typically remains the same regardless of the subject’s number, except for the verb “to be” (was/were). However, understanding the principles of subject-verb agreement is still important for choosing the correct verb form in all tenses. Subject-verb agreement also applies to other parts of speech such as pronouns (he, she, it, they) which also need to agree with their antecedent.
Structural Breakdown
The structure of subject-verb agreement is based on identifying the subject and the verb in a sentence and then ensuring they match in number. Here’s a breakdown of the key elements involved:
- Identifying the Subject: The subject is the noun or pronoun that performs the action in the sentence. It usually appears before the verb, but not always.
- Identifying the Verb: The verb is the word that describes the action or state of being in the sentence.
- Determining Number: Determine whether the subject is singular (referring to one) or plural (referring to more than one).
- Conjugating the Verb: Choose the correct form of the verb that agrees with the number of the subject. In the present tense, singular subjects usually take verbs ending in “-s” or “-es,” while plural subjects take the base form of the verb.
For example, in the sentence “The dog barks loudly,” the subject is “dog,” which is singular. The verb is “barks,” which is the singular form of the verb “to bark.” In the sentence “The dogs bark loudly,” the subject is “dogs,” which is plural. The verb is “bark,” which is the plural form of the verb “to bark.”
Understanding the basic structure of a sentence and being able to identify the subject and verb are crucial steps in mastering subject-verb agreement. Once you can identify these elements, you can apply the rules of agreement to ensure your sentences are grammatically correct.
Remember that the verb must agree with the subject, not with any other noun or pronoun in the sentence.
Types of Subject-Verb Agreement
Subject-verb agreement can be categorized into several types, depending on the type of subject used in the sentence. These categories include singular and plural subjects, compound subjects, collective nouns, and indefinite pronouns.
Each type has its own set of rules and considerations.
Singular and Plural Subjects
The most basic form of subject-verb agreement involves singular and plural subjects. A singular subject refers to one person, place, thing, or idea, while a plural subject refers to more than one.
The verb must agree in number with the subject.
For example:
- Singular: The cat sleeps on the couch.
- Plural: The cats sleep on the couch.
In the first sentence, the subject “cat” is singular, so the verb “sleeps” is also singular. In the second sentence, the subject “cats” is plural, so the verb “sleep” is also plural. It’s important to note that most nouns become plural by adding “-s” or “-es,” but verbs do the opposite: they add “-s” or “-es” to become singular in the present tense.
Compound Subjects
A compound subject consists of two or more subjects joined by a conjunction, such as “and,” “or,” or “nor.” The verb agreement depends on the conjunction used.
- Subjects joined by “and”: Generally take a plural verb. For example: John and Mary are going to the store.
- Subjects joined by “or” or “nor”: The verb agrees with the subject closest to it. For example: Neither the students nor the teacher is present. Or, Neither the teacher nor the students are present.
When using “or” or “nor,” pay close attention to the order of the subjects to ensure the verb agrees with the nearest one. This can sometimes lead to awkward sentences, in which case it’s best to rephrase the sentence for clarity.
Collective Nouns
Collective nouns refer to a group of people or things as a single unit. Examples include “team,” “family,” “committee,” and “group.” Collective nouns can be either singular or plural, depending on whether the group is acting as a single unit or as individual members.
- Acting as a single unit: Use a singular verb. For example: The team is playing well.
- Acting as individual members: Use a plural verb. For example: The family are deciding on their vacation plans. (This usage is more common in British English.)
In American English, collective nouns are generally treated as singular unless there is a clear indication that the members of the group are acting individually. If you want to emphasize the individual actions of the members, it’s often better to rephrase the sentence using a plural noun.
Indefinite Pronouns
Indefinite pronouns refer to nonspecific people or things. Some indefinite pronouns are always singular (e.g., “everyone,” “someone,” “nobody“), while others are always plural (e.g., “both,” “few,” “several“). Some can be either singular or plural, depending on the context (e.g., “some,” “any,” “none“).
- Always singular: Everyone is invited to the party.
- Always plural: Both are going to the concert.
- Singular or plural (depending on context): Some of the cake is gone. (singular), Some of the cookies are gone. (plural)
When using indefinite pronouns, it’s important to know which ones are always singular, which are always plural, and which can be either. Pay attention to the context of the sentence to determine the correct verb agreement. With pronouns like “some,” “any,” and “none,” the number of the noun they refer to determines whether the verb should be singular or plural.
Examples of Subject-Verb Agreement
Understanding the rules of subject-verb agreement is essential, but seeing them in action through examples can solidify your comprehension. The following tables provide a variety of examples, categorized by subject type, to illustrate how subject-verb agreement works in different contexts.
The table below illustrates subject-verb agreement with singular and plural subjects. Notice how the verb changes to match the number of the subject.
| Subject | Verb | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| The dog | barks | The dog barks at the mailman. |
| The dogs | bark | The dogs bark at the mailman. |
| She | walks | She walks to school every day. |
| They | walk | They walk to school every day. |
| The book | is | The book is on the table. |
| The books | are | The books are on the table. |
| He | plays | He plays the guitar. |
| We | play | We play the guitar. |
| My mother | cooks | My mother cooks dinner every night. |
| My parents | cook | My parents cook dinner every night. |
| The student | studies | The student studies hard for exams. |
| The students | study | The students study hard for exams. |
| The flower | blooms | The flower blooms in the spring. |
| The flowers | bloom | The flowers bloom in the spring. |
| It | rains | It rains frequently in Seattle. |
| They | live | They live in a big city. |
| The car | runs | The car runs smoothly. |
| The cars | run | The cars run smoothly. |
| My brother | works | My brother works at a bank. |
| My brothers | work | My brothers work at a bank. |
The following table provides examples of subject-verb agreement with compound subjects. Observe how the conjunction “and” typically requires a plural verb, while “or” and “nor” require the verb to agree with the subject closest to it.
| Subject | Verb | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| John and Mary | are | John and Mary are going to the park. |
| The cat and the dog | play | The cat and the dog play together. |
| Neither the students nor the teacher | is | Neither the students nor the teacher is present. |
| Neither the teacher nor the students | are | Neither the teacher nor the students are present. |
| Pizza or salad | is | Pizza or salad is a good choice for lunch. |
| Coffee and tea | are | Coffee and tea are my favorite drinks. |
| The book and the pen | are | The book and the pen are on the desk. |
| Neither he nor I | am | Neither he nor I am going to the party. |
| Either the cat or the dogs | are | Either the cat or the dogs are making noise. |
| Either the dogs or the cat | is | Either the dogs or the cat is making noise. |
| My brother and I | are | My brother and I are planning a trip. |
| The singer and the dancer | perform | The singer and the dancer perform on stage. |
| Neither the rain nor the snow | is | Neither the rain nor the snow is stopping us. |
| Either the red shirt or the blue one | is | Either the red shirt or the blue one is fine to wear. |
| The actor and the director | collaborate | The actor and the director collaborate on the film. |
| Neither the dessert nor the drinks | are | Neither the dessert nor the drinks are included. |
| The teacher and the students | learn | The teacher and the students learn together. |
| Neither the car nor the truck | is | Neither the car nor the truck is available. |
| The sun and the moon | are | The sun and the moon are celestial bodies. |
| Neither the book nor the magazine | is | Neither the book nor the magazine is interesting. |
This table demonstrates subject-verb agreement with collective nouns. Note how the verb can be singular or plural depending on whether the collective noun is acting as a single unit or as individual members.
The collective nouns in this table are generally treated as singular in American English.
| Subject | Verb | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| The team | is | The team is playing well tonight. |
| The family | is | The family is going on vacation. |
| The committee | has | The committee has made a decision. |
| The group | meets | The group meets every week. |
| The audience | was | The audience was very attentive. |
| The class | is | The class is taking a test today. |
| The government | is | The government is working on new policies. |
| The company | is | The company is launching a new product. |
| The band | plays | The band plays at the local club. |
| The choir | sings | The choir sings beautifully. |
| The jury | has | The jury has reached a verdict. |
| The staff | is | The staff is attending a training session. |
| The crowd | is | The crowd is cheering loudly. |
| The herd | grazes | The herd grazes in the meadow. |
| The flock | flies | The flock flies south for the winter. |
| The nation | celebrates | The nation celebrates Independence Day. |
| The organization | supports | The organization supports environmental causes. |
| The institution | provides | The institution provides quality education. |
| The corporation | invests | The corporation invests in renewable energy. |
| The association | promotes | The association promotes industry standards. |
This table illustrates subject-verb agreement with indefinite pronouns. Pay attention to which pronouns are always singular, always plural, or can be either depending on the context.
| Subject | Verb | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Everyone | is | Everyone is invited to the party. |
| Someone | has | Someone has left their umbrella. |
| Nobody | knows | Nobody knows the answer. |
| Both | are | Both are going to the concert. |
| Few | agree | Few agree with that opinion. |
| Several | have | Several have volunteered to help. |
| Some (of the cake) | is | Some of the cake is gone. |
| Some (of the cookies) | are | Some of the cookies are gone. |
| Any (of the milk) | is | Any of the milk is fine for me. |
| Any (of the apples) | are | Any of the apples are good to eat. |
| None (of the money) | is | None of the money is left. |
| None (of the students) | are | None of the students are present. |
| Each | has | Each has a unique perspective. |
| Either | is | Either is a good option. |
| Neither | is | Neither is available at the moment. |
| Many | are | Many are interested in this topic. |
| Much | is | Much is still unknown. |
| One | is | One is always hopeful. |
| All (of the water) | is | All of the water is gone. |
| All (of the books) | are | All of the books are interesting. |
Usage Rules
Understanding the rules of subject-verb agreement is crucial for writing grammatically correct sentences. These rules govern how verbs must match their subjects in number.
General Rules
The basic rule of subject-verb agreement is that a singular subject takes a singular verb, and a plural subject takes a plural verb. In the present tense, most singular verbs end in “-s” or “-es,” while plural verbs use the base form of the verb.
- Singular Subject: The cat sleeps.
- Plural Subject: The cats sleep.
Remember that pronouns must also agree with their antecedents. If the antecedent is singular, the pronoun must be singular, and if the antecedent is plural, the pronoun must be plural.
Exceptions to the Rules
There are several exceptions to the general rules of subject-verb agreement. These exceptions often involve special cases, such as compound subjects or collective nouns.
- Compound Subjects joined by “and”: Generally take a plural verb, even if the individual subjects are singular. John and Mary are going to the store.
- Subjects joined by “or” or “nor”: The verb agrees with the subject closest to it. Neither the students nor the teacher is present.
- Collective Nouns: Can be singular or plural, depending on whether the group is acting as a single unit or as individual members. The team is playing well. (single unit), The team are arguing about their roles. (individual members – more common in British English).
It’s important to be aware of these exceptions and to apply them correctly to ensure your sentences are grammatically accurate.
Special Cases
In addition to the general rules and exceptions, there are some special cases to consider when dealing with subject-verb agreement.
- Sentences beginning with “There is” or “There are”: The subject follows the verb. There is a book on the table. (singular), There are books on the table. (plural)
- Phrases that come between the subject and the verb: Do not affect subject-verb agreement. The dog, along with its puppies, is running in the park. (The subject is “dog,” not “puppies.”)
- Titles of works: Are treated as singular, even if they contain plural nouns. “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” is a famous novel.
These special cases require careful attention to ensure the verb agrees with the actual subject of the sentence, not with any intervening phrases or titles.
Common Mistakes
Even experienced writers and speakers sometimes make mistakes in subject-verb agreement. Being aware of these common errors can help you avoid them in your own writing and speaking.
Here are some common mistakes and their corrections:
| Incorrect | Correct | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| The dogs is barking. | The dogs are barking. | The subject “dogs” is plural, so the verb must be “are.” |
| She don’t like coffee. | She doesn’t like coffee. | The subject “she” is singular, so the verb must be “doesn’t.” |
| John and Mary is going to the store. | John and Mary are going to the store. | The subject “John and Mary” is a compound subject joined by “and,” so the verb must be “are.” |
| Neither the students nor the teacher are present. | Neither the students nor the teacher is present. | With “neither/nor,” the verb agrees with the subject closest to it, which is “teacher” (singular). |
| The team are playing well. | The team is playing well. | In American English, “team” is usually treated as singular when referring to the group as a whole. |
| Everyone are invited. | Everyone is invited. | “Everyone” is an indefinite pronoun that is always singular. |
| There is many books on the shelf. | There are many books on the shelf. | The subject is “books” (plural), so the verb must be “are.” |
| The dog, along with its puppies, are running in the park. | The dog, along with its puppies, is running in the park. | The subject is “dog” (singular), so the verb must be “is.” The phrase “along with its puppies” does not affect the verb agreement. |
| “The Lord of the Rings” are a great book. | “The Lord of the Rings” is a great book. | Titles of works are treated as singular, even if they contain plural nouns. |
| Each of the students have a book. | Each of the students has a book. | “Each” is singular, so the correct verb is “has”. |
By being mindful of these common mistakes, you can improve the accuracy of your subject-verb agreement and enhance the clarity of your writing and speaking.
Practice Exercises
To reinforce your understanding of subject-verb agreement, try the following practice exercises. Choose the correct verb form in each sentence.
Exercise 1: Basic Subject-Verb Agreement
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. The cat (sleeps/sleep) on the couch. | sleeps |
| 2. The dogs (barks/bark) at the mailman. | bark |
| 3. She (walks/walk) to school every day. | walks |
| 4. They (plays/play) the guitar. | play |
| 5. The book (is/are) on the table. | is |
| 6. My parents (cooks/cook) dinner every night. | cook |
| 7. The student (studies/study) hard for exams. | studies |
| 8. It (rains/rain) frequently in Seattle. | rains |
| 9. The car (runs/run) smoothly. | runs |
| 10. My brother (works/work) at a bank. | works |
Exercise 2: Compound Subjects
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. John and Mary (is/are) going to the park. | are |
| 2. Neither the students nor the teacher (is/are) present. | is |
| 3. Pizza or salad (is/are) a good choice for lunch. | is |
| 4. Coffee and tea (is/are) my favorite drinks. | are |
| 5. Neither he nor I (is/am) going to the party. | am |
| 6. Either the cat or the dogs (is/are) making noise. | are |
| 7. My brother and I (is/are) planning a trip. | are |
| 8. Neither the rain nor the snow (is/are) stopping us. | is |
| 9. The actor and the director (collaborates/collaborate) on the film. | collaborate |
| 10. The sun and the moon (is/are) celestial bodies. | are |
Exercise 3: Collective Nouns
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. The team (is/are) playing well tonight. | is |
| 2. The family (is/are) going on vacation. | is |
| 3. The committee (has/have) made a decision. | has |
| 4. The group (meets/meet) every week. | meets |
| 5. The audience (was/were) very attentive. | was |
| 6. The class (is/are) taking a test today. | is |
| 7. The government (is/are) working on new policies. | is |
| 8. The company (is/are) launching a new product. | is |
| 9. The band (plays/play) at the local club. | plays |
| 10. The jury (has/have) reached a verdict. | has |
Exercise 4: Indefinite Pronouns
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. Everyone (is/are) invited | is |
| 2. Someone (has/have) left their umbrella. | has |
| 3. Nobody (knows/know) the answer. | knows |
| 4. Both (is/are) going to the concert. | are |
| 5. Few (agrees/agree) with that opinion. | agree |
| 6. Several (has/have) volunteered to help. | have |
| 7. Some of the cake (is/are) gone. | is |
| 8. Some of the cookies (is/are) gone. | are |
| 9. Any of the milk (is/are) fine for me. | is |
| 10. None of the students (is/are) present. | are |
Advanced Topics
Once you have a solid understanding of the basic rules and common exceptions of subject-verb agreement, you can move on to more advanced topics, such as the subjunctive mood and relative clauses.
Subjunctive Mood
The subjunctive mood is used to express wishes, suggestions, demands, or conditions that are contrary to fact. In the subjunctive mood, the verb form often differs from the indicative mood, and subject-verb agreement can be affected.
For example:
- Wish: I wish I were taller. (Instead of “I wish I was taller.”)
- Suggestion: The doctor suggested that he take a break. (Instead of “The doctor suggested that he takes a break.”)
- Demand: The manager demanded that the report be finished by Friday. (Instead of “The manager demanded that the report is finished by Friday.”)
In these examples, the verb form in the subjunctive mood does not agree with the subject in the same way it would in the indicative mood. The subjunctive mood often uses the base form of the verb, regardless of the subject’s number.
Relative Clauses
Relative clauses are clauses that modify nouns or pronouns. They are introduced by relative pronouns such as “who,” “whom,” “which,” or “that.” Subject-verb agreement in relative clauses can be tricky because the verb must agree with the antecedent of the relative pronoun.
For example:
- The student who studies hard will succeed. (The verb “studies” agrees with the antecedent “student.”)
- The students who study hard will succeed. (The verb “study” agrees with the antecedent “students.”)
- This is one of the books that are interesting. (The verb “are” agrees with the antecedent “books.”)
In these examples, the verb in the relative clause must agree with the noun or pronoun that the relative pronoun refers to. Pay close attention to the antecedent to ensure correct subject-verb agreement.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about subject-verb agreement:
What is subject-verb agreement?
Subject-verb agreement is the principle that the verb in a sentence must agree in number (singular or plural) with its subject.
Why is subject-verb agreement important?
Subject-verb agreement is important because it ensures that sentences are grammatically correct and convey the intended meaning clearly. Errors in subject-verb agreement can lead to confusion and detract from the overall quality of your writing and speech.
How do I identify the subject and verb in a sentence?
The subject is the noun or pronoun that performs the action in the sentence. The verb is the word that describes the action or state of being.
The subject usually appears before the verb, but not always.
What are some common mistakes in subject-verb agreement?
Some common mistakes include using a singular verb with a plural subject, using a plural verb with a singular subject, and failing to account for compound subjects or collective nouns.
How can I improve my subject-verb agreement skills?
You can improve your subject-verb agreement skills by studying the rules and exceptions, practicing with exercises, and paying close attention to your writing and speaking.
Conclusion
Mastering verb endings and subject-verb agreement is a fundamental skill for anyone looking to improve their English grammar. By understanding the basic rules, exceptions, and special cases, you can ensure that your sentences are grammatically correct and convey your intended meaning clearly.
Whether you’re writing an academic paper, crafting a business email, or simply engaging in conversation, a solid grasp of subject-verb agreement will enhance the precision and professionalism of your language.
Remember to practice regularly and pay close attention to your writing and speaking. By being mindful of the rules and common mistakes, you can avoid errors and communicate more effectively.
With consistent effort and attention to detail, you can master subject-verb agreement and take your English grammar skills to the next level.