Subject-Verb Agreement | Rules, Examples & Common Mistakes

• Key Takeaways
• Grasping Subject-Verb Agreement
  • Definition and Importance
  • Enhancing Readability
  • Basic Rule
  • Singular and Plural Subjects
  • Special Cases
  • Compound Subjects
  • Exceptions to Note
• Rules and Examples
  • Singular Nouns
  • Plural Nouns
  • Tense Agreement
  • Complex Sentences
  • Indefinite Pronouns
  • Collective Nouns
  • Research Findings
• Common Mistakes
  • Number Mismatch
  • Intervening Phrases
  • Compound Subjects
  • Collective Nouns
  • Indefinite Pronouns
  • Exceptions
  • Strategies for Avoiding Mistakes
• Compound Subjects
  • Connected by "And"
  • Connected by "Or"
  • Singular and Plural Nouns
  • Complex Sentences
• Tricky Phrases and Clauses
  • "Along with"
  • "As well as"
  • Common Pitfalls
  • Acronyms
  • Collective Nouns
  • Relative Clauses
  • Compound Subjects Revisited
• Indefinite Pronouns
  • Singular Pronouns
  • Plural Pronouns
  • Ambiguous Pronouns
  • Determining Agreement
• Numbers and Quantities
  • Collective Nouns
  • Numbers and Amounts
  • Fractions and Percentages
  • Special Cases
  • Proportions and Data
  • Team and Staff Members
• Collective and Uncountable Nouns
  • Collective Nouns
  • Rules for Collective Nouns
  • Uncountable Nouns
  • Singular Verbs with Uncountable Nouns
  • Impact on Subject-Verb Agreement
• Advanced Guidelines
  • Mood and Subjunctive
  • Conditional Sentences
  • Indirect Questions
  • Complex Structures
  • Numbers and Quantities
  • Compound Subjects
  • Collective Nouns Revisited
  • Consistency and Clarity
• Summary
• Frequently Asked Questions
  • What is subject-verb agreement?
  • Can you give an example of subject-verb agreement?
  • What are some common mistakes in subject-verb agreement?
  • How do compound subjects affect verb agreement?
  • Do indefinite pronouns always take singular verbs?
  • How does subject-verb agreement work with collective nouns?
  • Are there advanced guidelines for subject-verb agreement?

Ever wondered why your sentences sometimes sound off? Understanding subject-verb agreement is key to writing clearly. This blog post dives into practical subject-verb agreement examples that will sharpen your grammar skills. You'll discover how to match subjects and verbs correctly, making your writing work more effective.

We'll break down common mistakes, including subject verb agreement examples and plural subject errors, and show you how to avoid them. Whether you're a student or a professional, mastering this basic rule can elevate your communication. Stick around to learn tips that make grammar simple and fun.

---

Key Takeaways

• Understand Basic Rules: Mastering subject-verb agreement starts with knowing the basic rules, such as singular subjects take singular verbs and plural subjects take plural verbs.
• Avoid Common Mistakes: Be aware of frequent errors, like mismatching verbs with compound subjects or getting confused by phrases that come between the subject and verb.
• Handle Compound Subjects with Care: Remember that compound subjects joined by "and" usually take a plural verb, while those joined by "or" or "nor" take a verb that agrees with the nearest subject.
• Navigate Tricky Phrases and Clauses: Be cautious with phrases and clauses that might mislead you about the true subject of the sentence.
• Use Indefinite Pronouns Correctly: Know which indefinite pronouns are singular, plural, or variable in number to ensure correct verb agreement.
• Practice with Numbers and Quantities: Numbers and quantities can be tricky; ensure verbs agree based on whether the number is considered a single unit or individual items.

Grasping Subject-Verb Agreement

Definition and Importance

Subject-verb agreement means that the subject and verb in a sentence must match. This rule is crucial for clear communication. If subjects and verbs do not agree, sentences can be confusing. For example, "She walk to school" sounds incorrect. The correct form is "She walks to school."

Enhancing Readability

Matching subjects with their correct verbs makes sentences easier to read. It helps the reader understand who is doing what. For instance, "The dogs bark loudly" is clear. Changing it to "The dogs barks loudly" creates confusion.

Basic Rule

The basic rule of subject-verb agreement is simple. Singular subjects take singular verbs, while plural subjects take plural verbs. For example:

• Singular Subject: "The cat climbs the tree."
• Plural Subject: "The cats climb the tree."

Singular and Plural Subjects

Singular subjects include words like "he," "she," "it," and any singular noun, which are verb agreement examples that make verb agreement work. These take singular verbs such as "is," "has," or verbs ending in "-s." For instance:

• He runs fast.
• The book is interesting.

Plural subjects include words like "they," "we," and any plural noun. These take plural verbs such as "are" or verbs without an "-s." Examples are:

• They run fast.
• The books are interesting.

Special Cases

e cases can be tricky. Collective nouns like "team" or "family" can be singular or plural based on context. For example:

• The team wins its games (singular).
• The team celebrate their victories (plural).

Indefinite pronouns like "everyone" or "nobody" are always singular:

• Everyone enjoys the show.
• Nobody knows the answer.

Compound Subjects

Compound subjects joined by "and" usually take a plural verb:

• Tom and Jerry are friends.

However, if the compound subject refers to a single entity, use a singular verb:

• Peanut butter and jelly is my favorite sandwich.

Exceptions to Note

There are exceptions to these rules. Titles of books, movies, or other works are singular even if they appear plural:

• "The Chronicles of Narnia" is a great series.

Expressions like "a number of" take a plural verb, while "the number of" takes a singular verb:

• A number of students are absent today.
• The number of students is increasing.

Get legal assistance, on Lawyers EzyFind website and mobile app for iPhone, Android and Huawei.

Features

Feature	Website	iPhone App	Android App	Huawei App
Legal Database	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Lawyer Search	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Case Tracking	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Document Upload	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Online Chat	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes

Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Easy to use	Requires internet connection
Available on multiple platforms	Some features might be limited
Comprehensive legal database	Frequent updates needed
Real-time chat with lawyers	Possible subscription fees

Differences

Aspect	Website	Mobile Apps
Accessibility	Any browser	iPhone, Android & Huawei
User Interface	More detailed	Simplified for touch
Notifications	Email only	Push notifications

Examples of Legal Assistance

• Family Law: Divorce, child custody
• Criminal Law: Defense, bail applications
• Corporate Law: Contracts, mergers
• Personal Injury: Claims, settlements

Steps to Get Started

1. Download the app from your device's store (App Store, Google Play, Huawei AppGallery).
2. Register an account using your email or social media.
3. Search for the type of legal assistance you need.
4. Select a lawyer based on reviews and ratings.
5. Make payment & get instant legal assistance.

Download all legal agreements FREE on LawyersEzyFind.co.za

Why Use LawyersEzyFind?

• Free Access: No hidden fees, no subscriptions.
• Wide Range: From contracts to wills.
• User-Friendly: Easy download process.
• Updated Regularly: Stay current with legal changes.

Features Comparison

Feature	LawyersEzyFind	Other Platforms
Cost	Free	Varied fees
Document Variety	Extensive	Limited
User Interface	Simple and intuitive	Complex
Update Frequency	Regular	Sporadic

Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
No cost involved	Requires internet access
Easy to navigate	Limited to legal documents
Wide range of documents	No personalized legal advice
Regular updates	May need to verify document suitability

Types of Legal Agreements

• Business Contracts
  • Partnership Agreements
  • Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs)
  • Employment Contracts
• Personal Legal Documents
  • Wills and Testaments
  • Power of Attorney
  • Lease Agreements
• Family Law
  • Prenuptial Agreements
  • Child Support Agreements
  • Divorce Settlements

How to Download

1. Visit LawyersEzyFind.co.za
2. Navigate to the "Legal Agreements" section
3. Browse or search for the specific document you need
4. Click on the document title
5. Hit the "Download" or add to shopping cart button
6. Login or Sign Up you’ll be directed to your personal dashboard.
7. Navigate to the contract hit the download button and Save the document to your device.

Rules and Examples

Singular Nouns

A singular noun needs a singular verb. For example, "The cat runs fast." Here, "cat" is singular, so "runs" agrees with it.

In another case, "The dictionary sits on the shelf." The noun "dictionary" is singular, thus the verb "sits" matches it.

Plural Nouns

Plural nouns require plural verbs. For instance, "The dogs bark loudly." The plural noun "dogs" pairs with the plural verb "bark."

Another example is, "The books are on the table." Here, "books" is plural, so the verb "are" is used.

Tense Agreement

Tense affects subject-verb agreement. In past tense, use past forms of verbs. For example, "She walked to school." The verb "walked" agrees with the subject in past tense.

For present tense, consider this: "He writes daily." The verb "writes" matches the present tense.

Future tense also follows this rule. Example: "They will travel tomorrow." The future tense verb "will travel" fits with the subject.

Complex Sentences

Complex sentences may have multiple subjects or verbs. Each part must agree correctly. For instance, "The teacher and the student discuss the project." Both subjects need a plural verb like "discuss."

Consider this sentence: "Either the manager or the employees attend the meeting." Here, the nearest subject ("employees") decides the verb form.

Indefinite Pronouns

Indefinite pronouns can be tricky. Words like everyone and everything are singular. Example: “Everyone loves pizza.” Despite sounding plural, “everyone” requires a singular verb “loves.”

With words like some or all, context matters. Example: “Some of the cake is gone.” Cake is uncountable here, so “is” fits.

Collective Nouns

Collective nouns refer to groups but act as singular units. For example, “The team wins its games.” Even though a team has many members, it takes a singular verb “wins.”

However, if emphasizing individual actions within a group: “The staff are working hard.” Here, “staff” suggests multiple people doing individual work; thus, “are working” is correct.

Research Findings

Research shows common errors in writing often involve subject-verb agreement. Many students struggle with complex sentences and indefinite pronouns.

Using resources like a dictionary helps clarify correct verb forms. Practice and careful editing improve accuracy over time.

Common Mistakes

Number Mismatch

One common error in subject-verb agreement involves a mismatch in number. Singular subjects should pair with singular verbs, while plural subjects need plural verbs. A frequent mistake occurs when the writer uses a plural verb with a singular subject or vice versa. For example, "The list of items are on the table" is incorrect. It should be "The list of items is on the table." Here, "list" is singular and requires the singular verb "is."

Intervening Phrases

Intervening phrases or clauses can lead to agreement mistakes. These phrases come between the subject and the verb, causing confusion. For instance, in the sentence "The bouquet of flowers smell wonderful," the phrase "of flowers" comes between the subject "bouquet" and the verb "smell." The correct form should be "The bouquet of flowers smells wonderful," as "bouquet" is singular.

Compound Subjects

Compound subjects joined by 'and' usually take a plural verb. However, compound subjects joined by 'or' or 'nor' follow different rules. If both parts of the compound subject are singular, use a singular verb. For example, "Neither the teacher nor the student was late." When one part of the compound subject is plural, place it closer to the verb and use a plural verb: "Neither the teacher nor the students were late."

Collective Nouns

Collective nouns like "team," "group," or "family" can cause confusion. In American English, these nouns usually take a singular verb because they refer to a single entity. For example, "The team wins its games." However, in British English, collective nouns often take a plural verb: "The team win their games." Being aware of these differences helps avoid mistakes.

Indefinite Pronouns

Indefinite pronouns such as "everyone," "someone," and "nobody" are always singular and require singular verbs. For example, "Everyone loves ice cream" is correct. A common mistake is using a plural verb: "Everyone love ice cream." Remember that words like “each” and “every” also require singular verbs.

Exceptions

e exceptions exist in subject-verb agreement rules. For example, expressions like “a number of” are followed by a plural noun and take a plural verb: “A number of students are absent.” Conversely, “the number of” takes a singular verb: “The number of students is growing.” Understanding these exceptions helps maintain accuracy.

Strategies for Avoiding Mistakes

To avoid common mistakes:

• Rephrase sentences to simplify them.
• Identify and underline subjects and verbs.
• Ensure they agree in number.
• Review sentences for intervening phrases that might confuse agreement.
• Practice writing sentences with varied structures.

Compound Subjects

Connected by "And"

Compound subjects connected by "and" usually take a plural verb. This is because the subject is considered a plural entity. For example, "The dog and the cat are playing." Here, "dog" and "cat" together form a plural subject, so the verb "are" is used.

However, if the compound subject refers to a singular whole, it takes a singular verb. An example is, "Peanut butter and jelly is my favorite sandwich." In this case, peanut butter and jelly together make one item.

Connected by "Or"

When compound subjects are connected by "or," the verb agrees with the part of the subject closest to it. If the closer part is singular, use a singular verb. For instance, "Either the teacher or the student was late." Here, "student" is singular, so we use "was."

If the closer part is plural, use a plural verb. For example, "Either the students or the teacher was late." Here, "students" is plural, but since "teacher" is closer to the verb, we use "was."

Singular and Plural Nouns

Determining the correct verb form when compound subjects include both singular and plural nouns can be tricky. Follow these tips:

• If connected by "and," use a plural verb unless referring to a singular whole.
• If connected by "or," match the verb with the nearest noun.

Examples clarify this better:

1. Singular and Plural with And:
   • Correct: The boy and his friends are coming.
   • Incorrect: The boy and his friends is coming.
2. Singular and Plural with Or:
   • Correct: Either the cat or the dogs are outside.
   • Incorrect: Either the cat or the dogs is outside.

Complex Sentences

In complex sentences with multiple subjects, always identify the true subject. This helps in choosing the right verb form. For example, in "The manager, along with his assistants, is planning a meeting," "manager" is the true subject.

By understanding compound subjects and their rules for subject-verb agreement:

• Use plural verbs for compound subjects with "and."
• Match verbs to nearest nouns for compound subjects with "or."
• Identify true subjects in complex sentences.

Correct subject-verb agreement ensures clarity in writing.

Tricky Phrases and Clauses

"Along with"

The phrase "along with" can cause confusion. It does not affect the verb form. The verb should agree with the main subject.

Example: The teacher, along with her students, is attending the seminar.

"As well as"

Similar to "along with," the phrase "as well as" does not change the verb form. The verb agrees with the main subject.

Example: The CEO, as well as her assistants, was present at the meeting.

Common Pitfalls

Many people make mistakes with tricky phrases. They might think the verb should agree with the nearest noun instead of the main subject.

Example: The box of chocolates is on the table. ("of chocolates" is a prepositional phrase)

Acronyms

Acronyms can also be tricky. If an acronym stands for a singular noun, use a singular verb. If it stands for a plural noun, use a plural verb.

Example: NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) is launching a new satellite.

Collective Nouns

Collective nouns like "team" or "group" may seem plural but are treated as singular in American English.

Example: The team is winning its game.

Relative Clauses

Relative clauses starting with "who," "which," or "that" must match the antecedent's number.

Example: The student who studies hard gets good grades. ("student" is singular)

Compound Subjects Revisited

Compound subjects joined by "and" take a plural verb. But if they are considered one unit, use a singular verb.

Example: Peanut butter and jelly is my favorite sandwich.

Indefinite Pronouns

Singular Pronouns

Indefinite pronouns like "someone," "anyone," "everyone," and "nobody" are singular. These pronouns require singular verbs. For example, "Everyone loves ice cream." Here, "loves" is a singular verb matching the singular pronoun "everyone."

Other examples include:

• "Someone has left their bag."
• "Anybody is welcome to join."

These sentences use singular verbs because the subjects are indefinite pronouns.

Plural Pronouns

e indefinite pronouns can be plural. Examples include "few," "many," "several," and "both." These pronouns need plural verbs. For instance, "Many were present at the meeting." Here, "were" is a plural verb that agrees with the plural pronoun "many."

More examples:

• "Few have completed their assignments."
• "Both are responsible for the project."

These sentences use plural verbs to match the plural indefinite pronouns.

Ambiguous Pronouns

Certain indefinite pronouns can be either singular or plural based on context. Examples are "all," "some," "none," and "most." Context determines whether these pronouns take a singular or plural verb. For instance, "All of the cake is gone." Here, "all" refers to "cake," which is singular, so the verb is also singular.

Conversely, in "All of the students are here," "all" refers to "students," which is plural, so the verb is plural.

Determining Agreement

To determine verb agreement with ambiguous indefinite pronouns:

1. Identify what the pronoun refers to.
2. Check if the noun is singular or plural.
3. Match the verb accordingly.

For example:

• "Some of the water is cold." ("Water" is singular)
• "Some of the cookies are missing." ("Cookies" is plural)

Numbers and Quantities

Collective Nouns

Collective nouns refer to groups of people or things. Examples include "team," "staff," and "majority." These nouns can be tricky in subject-verb agreement. The verb choice depends on whether the group acts as a unit or as individuals.

For instance:

• The team is winning (acting as a unit).
• The team are arguing among themselves (acting as individuals).

Numbers and Amounts

Expressions of quantity like numbers, amounts, and proportions affect subject-verb agreement. When referring to specific quantities, the subject determines the verb form.

Examples:

• Five liters of water is enough.
• Ten dollars is a fair price.

Fractions and Percentages

Fractions and percentages also impact subject-verb agreement. The verb agrees with the noun following the fraction or percentage.

For instance:

• Two-thirds of the population are voting (population is plural).
• Fifty percent of the cake is gone (cake is singular).

Special Cases

Special cases arise when the subject includes numbers or abbreviations. Here, the context dictates the verb form.

Examples:

• Ten kilometers is a long distance.
• RPM means revolutions per minute.

Proportions and Data

Proportions and data often confuse students. The verb must match the noun that follows these expressions.

For example:

• A large proportion of students are studying.
• All data is accurate (data treated as singular).

Team and Staff Members

Words like "team" and "staff members" can be singular or plural based on their usage in sentences.

Examples:

• The staff members are working hard.
• The team has won its game.

Collective and Uncountable Nouns

Collective Nouns

Collective nouns refer to a group of individuals or things. Examples include "team," "family," and "audience." These nouns can take either singular or plural verbs depending on the context.

If the collective noun acts as a single unit, use a singular verb. For example, "The team wins the game." Here, the team is one entity. If the members act individually, use a plural verb. For example, "The team are arguing among themselves."

Rules for Collective Nouns

Determining whether a collective noun takes a singular or plural verb depends on its use in the sentence.

• Use a singular verb when the group is considered one unit.
• Use a plural verb when the individuals within the group are acting separately.

For instance:

• "The committee decides on the new rules."
• "The committee have different opinions."

Uncountable Nouns

Uncountable nouns represent substances or concepts that cannot be counted individually. Examples include "water," "information," and "rice." These nouns always take singular verbs.

Even though uncountable nouns refer to quantities or amounts, they remain singular. For example, "Water flows through the pipe" and "Information is valuable."

Singular Verbs with Uncountable Nouns

Uncountable nouns always take singular verbs despite often referring to large quantities. This rule helps maintain subject-verb agreement.

Examples:

• "Milk is good for health."
• "Sugar dissolves in water."

Impact on Subject-Verb Agreement

Collective and uncountable nouns impact subject-verb agreement differently. Collective nouns can be tricky due to their dual nature. They sometimes require careful consideration to determine if they act as one unit or many individuals.

Uncountable nouns simplify subject-verb agreement by always taking singular verbs. This consistency makes them easier to handle compared to collective nouns.

Advanced Guidelines

Mood and Subjunctive

Mood in grammar shows the attitude of the speaker. In English, moods include indicative, imperative, and subjunctive. The subjunctive mood is used for wishes, suggestions, or hypothetical situations. For example:

• "If I were a bird, I could fly."

Here, "were" is used instead of "was" to show a hypothetical situation. This rule applies even if the subject is singular.

Conditional Sentences

Conditional sentences often use "if" clauses. They describe possible or imaginary situations. These sentences can be tricky with subject-verb agreement. For instance:

• "If he were here, we would start the meeting."

In this example, "were" is correct even though "he" is singular. This follows the rule for subjunctive mood in conditional sentences.

Indirect Questions

Indirect questions embed a question within a statement. The verb must still agree with the subject. For example:

• "She asked if he was coming to the party."

Here, "was" agrees with the singular subject "he." Indirect questions follow normal subject-verb agreement rules.

Complex Structures

Subject-verb agreement becomes more complex in longer sentences. Pay attention to phrases between the subject and verb. For example:

• "The bouquet of flowers on the table smells wonderful."

Despite the phrase "of flowers," the subject is "bouquet," which is singular.

Numbers and Quantities

When subjects involve numbers or quantities, agreement rules can change. For example:

• "Five dollars is enough for lunch."

Even though "dollars" is plural, the amount acts as a single unit.

Compound Subjects

Compound subjects joined by "and" are usually plural. However, if they refer to a single entity or idea, they take a singular verb. For example:

• "Peanut butter and jelly is my favorite sandwich."

Though two items are mentioned, they form one concept here.

Collective Nouns Revisited

Collective nouns can be tricky in advanced structures. These nouns refer to groups but can take either singular or plural verbs based on context. For example:

• "The team is winning."
• "The team are arguing among themselves."

In the first sentence, the team acts as a single unit. In the second, individual members are emphasized.

Consistency and Clarity

Maintaining consistency and clarity in writing is crucial. Always ensure that verbs match their subjects in number and person throughout complex sentences. This practice avoids confusion for readers.

Summary

Mastering subject-verb agreement is crucial for clear and effective communication. You've explored the essential rules, common pitfalls, and nuanced scenarios. From compound subjects to tricky phrases, you now have a robust understanding of how to ensure your verbs align with their subjects.

Ready to take your writing skills to the next level? Keep practicing and apply these guidelines in your daily writing. Share this article with others who might benefit from a refresher on subject-verb agreement. Your attention to detail will set your writing apart. Stay sharp and keep learning!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is subject-verb agreement?

Subject-verb agreement means the subject and verb in a sentence must match in number. Singular subjects take singular verbs, and plural subjects take plural verbs.

Can you give an example of subject-verb agreement?

Sure! "The dog barks." Here, "dog" is singular, so "barks" is also singular. For plural: "The dogs bark."

What are some common mistakes in subject-verb agreement?

Common mistakes include mismatching singular and plural forms. For example, saying "She walk" instead of "She walks."

How do compound subjects affect verb agreement?

Compound subjects joined by "and" usually take a plural verb. Example: "Tom and Jerry are friends." But if they refer to a single entity, use a singular verb: "Peanut butter and jelly is my favorite."

Do indefinite pronouns always take singular verbs?

Not always. Some indefinite pronouns like "everyone" and "somebody" are singular, while others like "both" and "few" are plural.

How does subject-verb agreement work with collective nouns?

Collective nouns can be singular or plural based on context. Example: "The team wins its games" (singular) vs. "The team argue among themselves" (plural).

Are there advanced guidelines for subject-verb agreement?

Yes, advanced guidelines include dealing with complex sentences, inverted sentences, and special cases like titles or phrases that act as subjects. Always ensure the main subject agrees with the main verb.

_______________________________________________________
Hi, I’m Kailash Pillay, legal writter and an attorney from the city of Johannesburg. My passion for the law stems from a desire to improve the lives of the vulnerable who fall prey to a corrupt system.
I studied at the University of Johannesburg where I obtained my Bachelor of Laws degree, the starting point to the long journey of becoming a legal practitioner.
This profession has taught me to persevere through the complexities of the law and to continually develop my skills as a legal professional.