Subject Verb Agreement

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What is Subject-Verb Agreement?

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

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When do we use a singular verb?

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

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When do we use a plural verb?

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

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

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

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

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When subjects are joined by 'or' or 'nor', the verb agrees with the subject closest to it.

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Example of a sentence with a compound subject using 'and':

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Annie and her brothers are at school.

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Example of a sentence with a compound subject using 'or':

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Either my mother or my father is coming to the meeting.

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What is the rule for indefinite pronouns like 'everyone' or 'nobody'?

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Indefinite pronouns such as 'everyone' and 'nobody' are always singular and take a singular verb.

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Example of a sentence with an indefinite pronoun:

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Nobody knows the trouble I've seen.

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What is the rule for collective nouns?

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