Subject-Verb Agreement

Front

What is subject-verb agreement?

Back

Subject-verb agreement is the grammatical rule that the subject of a sentence must match the verb in number (singular or plural).

Front

When do we use a singular verb?

Back

We use a singular verb when the subject is singular (one person or thing). For example, 'The dog barks.'

Front

When do we use a plural verb?

Back

We use a plural verb when the subject is plural (more than one person or thing). For example, 'The dogs bark.'

Front

What is the correct verb form for 'The teacher _____ the students.'?

Back

The correct verb form is 'teaches' because 'teacher' is singular.

Front

What is the correct verb form for 'The students _____ their homework.'?

Back

The correct verb form is 'complete' because 'students' is plural.

Front

What is the correct verb form for 'He _____ to the store.'?

Back

The correct verb form is 'goes' because 'he' is singular.

Front

What is the correct verb form for 'They _____ to the park.'?

Back

The correct verb form is 'go' because 'they' is plural.

Front

What is the rule for subjects joined by 'and'?

Back

When subjects are joined by 'and', they are considered plural, so we use a plural verb. For example, 'Tom and Jerry run.'

Front

What is the rule for subjects joined by 'or' or 'nor'?

Back

When subjects are joined by 'or' or 'nor', the verb agrees with the subject closest to it. For example, 'Either the cat or the dogs are outside.'

Front

What is the correct verb form for 'Each of the players _____ a trophy.'?

Back

The correct verb form is 'receives' because 'each' is considered singular.