subject and 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 closest to it.

Front

Example of subject-verb agreement with a singular subject: 'The dog __________.'

Back

The dog is.

Front

Example of subject-verb agreement with a plural subject: 'The dogs __________.'

Back

The dogs are.

Front

What is the correct verb form for collective nouns?

Back

Collective nouns can take either singular or plural verbs depending on whether the group is acting as a single unit or as individuals.

Front

Example of collective noun with singular verb: 'The committee __________.'

Back

The committee is.

Front

Example of collective noun with plural verb: 'The team __________.'

Back

The team are divided in their opinions.