Subject-Verb Agreement

Front

What is Subject-Verb Agreement?

Back

Subject-Verb Agreement is the grammatical rule that the subject of a sentence must agree in number (singular or plural) with its verb.

Front

When should a singular verb be used?

Back

A singular verb should be used when the subject is singular, meaning it refers to one person, place, thing, or idea.

Front

When should a plural verb be used?

Back

A plural verb should be used when the subject is plural, meaning it refers to more than one person, place, thing, or idea.

Front

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

Back

When subjects are joined by 'and', they typically take a plural verb.

Front

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

Back

When subjects are joined by 'or' or 'nor', the verb should agree with the subject that is closest to it.

Front

Example of a singular subject with a singular verb.

Back

The cat runs fast.

Front

Example of a plural subject with a plural verb.

Back

The dogs bark loudly.

Front

What is the effect of collective nouns on subject-verb agreement?

Back

Collective nouns can be singular or plural depending on whether the group acts as a single unit or as individuals.

Front

Example of a collective noun taking a singular verb.

Back

The team wins the championship.

Front

Example of a collective noun taking a plural verb.

Back

The team are arguing among themselves.