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 cat runs fast.'

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 cats run fast.'

Front

What is the correct verb form for 'He/She/It'?

Back

The correct verb form is singular, for example, 'He runs,' 'She sings,' 'It is.'

Front

What is the correct verb form for 'They'?

Back

The correct verb form is plural, for example, 'They run,' 'They sing.'

Front

What do we do with compound subjects joined by 'and'?

Back

When subjects are joined by 'and,' we use a plural verb. For example, 'Tom and Jerry are friends.'

Front

What do we do with compound subjects joined by 'or' or 'nor'?

Back

When subjects are joined by 'or' or 'nor,' we use a verb that agrees with the nearest subject. For example, 'Either the cat or the dogs are outside.'

Front

What is the correct verb form for 'Macaroni and cheese'?

Back

The correct verb form is singular, so we say 'Macaroni and cheese is a favorite dish.'

Front

What is the correct verb form for 'Both my mom and stepdad'?

Back

The correct verb form is plural, so we say 'Both my mom and stepdad are coming.'

Front

What is the correct verb form for 'The tulip, the daffodil, or the daisy'?

Back

The correct verb form is singular, so we say 'The tulip, the daffodil, or the daisy is good to eat.'