Subject verb agreement might sound tricky, but it’s easier than you think. Imagine trying to match a pair of socks—if one is striped and the other is plain, they just don’t go together. In grammar, your subject and verb must also “match” to make sense. Whether you’re writing for school or just polishing your communication skills, understanding subject-verb agreement is essential. In this guide, we’ll walk through simple rules, relatable examples, fun exercises, and even a quick quiz to help you master this skill effortlessly. Let’s dive in and make grammar less scary and more fun!
What is Subject Verb Agreement?
Subject-verb agreement means that the subject (the person, thing, or idea doing the action) and the verb (the action itself) must work together in number. A singular subject needs a singular verb, and a plural subject needs a plural verb. For example:
- Singular: The cat runs.
- Plural: The cats run.
It’s that simple! Once you understand the basics, spotting errors becomes second nature.
Why is Subject Verb Agreement Important?
Think of sentences as bridges connecting thoughts. If your subject and verb don’t agree, the bridge wobbles, and your meaning gets lost. Clear communication starts with following subject-verb agreement rules. When your writing is correct, it feels polished and professional, whether it’s a school essay or a text to a friend.
Subject Verb Agreement Rules
Here are some simple subject-verb agreement rules to keep in mind:
1. Singular and Plural Agreement
Singular subjects take singular verbs, and plural subjects take plural verbs.
- Correct: She writes every day.
- Incorrect: She write every day.
2. Words Between the Subject and Verb
Ignore phrases between the subject and the verb.
- Correct: The bouquet of roses smells amazing.
- Incorrect: The bouquet of roses smell amazing.
3. Compound Subjects
Use plural verbs for compound subjects joined by “and.”
- Correct: Anna and Mike are coming.
- Incorrect: Anna and Mike is coming.
4. Indefinite Pronouns
Some pronouns like “everyone” or “nobody” are singular and take singular verbs.
- Correct: Everyone loves pizza.
- Incorrect: Everyone love pizza.
5. Collective Nouns
Treat collective nouns like “team” or “group” as singular unless the meaning is clearly plural.
- Singular: The team wins easily.
- Plural: The team argue among themselves.
6. Subjects After the Verb
Be careful when the subject comes after the verb (common in questions).
- Correct: Where is the book?
- Incorrect: Where are the book?
7. Titles, Measurements, and Amounts
Titles and amounts are usually singular.
- Correct: “The Chronicles of Narnia” is a great book.
- Incorrect: “The Chronicles of Narnia” are great books.
8. Either/Neither
When paired with “or” or “nor,” the verb agrees with the closest subject.
- Correct: Neither the teacher nor the students were happy.
- Incorrect: Neither the teacher nor the students was happy.
Subject Verb Agreement Examples
Here are additional examples to clarify subject-verb agreement in various contexts:
Basic Agreement:
- Singular: The boy runs fast.
- Plural: The boys run fast.
With Words Between Subject and Verb:
- Singular: The basket of apples is heavy.
- Plural: The baskets of apples are heavy.
Compound Subjects:
- Singular: Peanut butter and jelly is my favorite snack.
- Plural: The dog and the cat are best friends.
Indefinite Pronouns:
- Singular: Everybody loves a sunny day.
- Plural: Many enjoy hiking in the mountains.
Collective Nouns:
- Singular: The jury delivers its verdict.
- Plural: The jury argue among themselves.
Subjects After the Verb:
- Singular: There is a book on the table.
- Plural: There are books on the table.
Either/Neither:
- Singular: Either the dog or the cat is outside.
- Plural: Neither the boys nor their friends are ready.
Titles, Measurements, and Amounts:
- Singular: Ten dollars is enough to buy lunch.
- Plural: Five students were chosen for the team.
Subject Verb Agreement Exercises
Fill in the Blanks
- The dog (bark/barks) at strangers.
- My friends (enjoy/enjoys) watching movies.
- A pack of wolves (run/runs) through the forest.
- Neither of the options (is/are) ideal.
- The teacher and the principal (agree/agrees) on the decision.
Correct the Sentences
- The team are celebrating their victory.
- Each of the books are interesting.
- The flock of birds fly over the mountains.
- Either John or his friends is coming to the party.
- Ten kilometers are a long distance to walk.
Subject Verb Agreement Quiz
Multiple Choice Questions
- The dog (bark/barks) loudly at night.
- a. bark
- b. barks
- Each of the books (is/are) placed neatly on the shelf.
- a. is
- b. are
- The team (plays/play) well together despite their differences.
- a. plays
- b. play
- Neither the teacher nor the students (was/were) present at the event.
- a. was
- b. were
- There (is/are) many apples in the basket.
- a. is
- b. are
Subject Verb Agreement Quiz Answers
Multiple Choice Questions:
- b. barks
- a. is
- a. plays
- b. were
- b. are
Fill-in-the-Blank Questions:
- The bouquet of flowers smells wonderful.
- Everybody loves to hear good news.
- Ten dollars is enough to buy lunch.
- Either the manager or the employees are responsible for the report.
- The group of dancers performs gracefully.
Correct the Sentences:
- The team is celebrating their victory.
- Each of the books is interesting.
- The flock of birds flies over the mountains.
- Either John or his friends are coming to the party.
- Ten kilometers is a long distance to walk.
True or False:
- False (Correct: “A pair of shoes is in the closet.”)
- False (Correct: “The jury delivers its verdict unanimously.”)
- True
- False (Correct: “Every one of the children was given a gift.”)
- False (Correct: “There is a book and a pen on the table.”)
Subject-Verb Agreement Tips
- Check Your Subject First: Identify whether it’s singular or plural before choosing the verb.
- Ignore Intervening Phrases: Words between the subject and verb don’t change the agreement.
- Practice with Tricky Cases: Collective nouns, indefinite pronouns, and compound subjects can be challenging—practice makes perfect!
- Read Aloud: Sometimes, hearing the sentence can help you determine if it “sounds right.”
Final Thoughts on Subject Verb Agreement
Subject-verb agreement may seem like a small detail, but it’s a cornerstone of effective communication. By mastering these rules and practicing regularly, you’ll write with clarity and confidence. Mistakes are part of learning, so don’t be afraid to revisit these concepts whenever needed.
Keep practicing with examples, exercises, and quizzes to reinforce your skills. With consistent effort, subject-verb agreement will soon feel as natural as breathing. So, keep this guide handy, and remember—good grammar opens the door to great communication. Happy learning!