Subject-Verb Agreement: Complete Guide

Introduction

In English grammar, Subject-Verb Agreement is a crucial concept. It ensures that the verb in a sentence agrees with its subject in number (singular/plural) and person (first/second/third).

Without proper agreement, sentences sound awkward or grammatically incorrect.

Example:

• ❌ The students is studying.
• ✅ The students are studying.

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1. What is Subject-Verb Agreement?

Definition:

Subject-Verb Agreement means that the verb must agree with its subject in number and person.

Basic Rule:

• Singular subject → singular verb
• Plural subject → plural verb

Example:

• She writes daily. (singular)
• They write daily. (plural)

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2. Rules of Subject-Verb Agreement

2.1 Singular and Plural Subjects

1. Singular subject → singular verb
   • The boy runs fast.
2. Plural subject → plural verb
   • The boys run fast.

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2.2 Compound Subjects

• Two different nouns joined by “and” → plural verb
  • Rohan and Aasman are playing football. ✅
• Two nouns referring to the same person or single idea/entity → singular verb
  • Mac and Cheese is my favorite dish. ✅
  • Research and Development is vital for the company. ✅

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2.3 Subjects Joined by Or / Nor

• Verb agrees with the nearest subject
• Either the teacher or the students are responsible.
• Neither the students nor the teacher is late.

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2.4 Collective Nouns

• Collective nouns can be singular or plural depending on context:
  • Singular (considered as one unit): The team wins every match.
  • Plural (members acting individually): The team are arguing among themselves.

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2.5 Indefinite Pronouns

• Most are singular: everyone, each, anybody, someone, nobody
  • Everyone is invited.
• Some are plural: few, many, both, several
  • Many are waiting outside.
• Some can be singular or plural depending on context: all, some, none, any
  • All of the cake is eaten. (cake = singular)
  • All of the students are present. (students = plural)

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2.6 Titles, Names, and Proper Nouns

• Titles of books, movies, organizations → singular verb
  • “Harry Potter” is a famous book series.

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2.7 Amount, Time, Distance, Money

• Usually singular when referring to a single unit
  • Five kilometers is a long distance.
  • Ten dollars is enough.

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2.8 Words like “Here” and “There”

• Verb agrees with real subject, not with “here/there”
  • Here is the book.
  • There are many students in the class.

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2.9 Fractions and Percentages

• Singular if referring to a single unit; plural if referring to multiple items
  • Half of the cake is gone.
  • Half of the students are absent.

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2.10 Plural Form, Singular Meaning

• Words like mathematics, news, physics, economics → singular verb
  • Mathematics is interesting.

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3. Tips and Tricks for Students

1. Identify the subject first, ignore intervening phrases
   • The bouquet of roses smells sweet. (subject = bouquet)
2. Watch out for tricky words: each, every, everyone → singular
3. Collective nouns: check if the action is unitary or individual
4. Or/Nor → verb agrees with nearest subject
5. Ignore prepositional phrases between subject and verb
   • The books on the table are new.

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4. Exceptions and Special Cases

1. Titles of books, movies, organizations → singular
2. Plural nouns with singular meaning → mathematics, news → singular
3. Words like scissors, pants, glasses → plural → The scissors are sharp.

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5. Examples from Literature

• The band of brothers was united in loyalty.
• Each of the students is responsible for their work.
• The committee decides the final result.
• Five miles is a long walk.

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6. Exercises for Practice

Choose the correct verb:

1. Each of the boys ______ (is/are) honest.
2. Neither the teacher nor the students ______ (was/were) present.
3. Mathematics ______ (is/are) my favorite subject.
4. The bouquet of flowers ______ (smells/smell) wonderful.
5. Here ______ (is/are) the documents you asked for.

Identify and correct the mistakes:

1. The team are winning the match. → The team is winning the match.
2. Everyone have finished their homework. → Everyone has finished their homework.
3. Either Rohan or his friends is late. → Either Rohan or his friends are late.

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7. Quick Tricks to Remember

1. Singular subjects → singular verbs
2. Plural subjects → plural verbs
3. Ignore phrases between subject & verb
4. Or/Nor → verb agrees with nearest subject
5. Collective nouns → singular/plural depending on meaning

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Conclusion

Subject-Verb Agreement is essential for writing, speaking, and exams. Mastery ensures:

• Grammatically correct sentences
• Clarity in communication
• Better comprehension in literature

Tip for students: Practice identifying subjects and verbs in newspaper articles, novels, and textbooks daily to strengthen your grammar skills.