Clear communication hinges on proper grammar, and subject-verb agreement stands as one of its fundamental pillars. This grammatical principle ensures that the subject of a sentence aligns perfectly with its corresponding verb in number, creating harmony and clarity in written expression.
Introduction
Subject-verb agreement forms the backbone of grammatically correct English, requiring subjects and verbs to match in number – singular subjects pair with singular verbs, while plural subjects take plural verbs. This seemingly simple rule becomes the foundation for clear, professional communication across all forms of writing.In today’s fast-paced communication landscape, mastering subject-verb agreement can significantly impact your credibility as a writer, whether in academic papers, business correspondence, or casual writing. When subjects and verbs align correctly, readers can effortlessly grasp your intended meaning, making your writing more effective and persuasive.
Basic Rules and Examples
Singular and Plural Subject Forms
The fundamental principle of subject-verb agreement follows a straightforward pattern. A singular subject requires a singular verb form, while a plural subject takes a plural verb form. Consider these examples:
- The cat runs swiftly
- The cats run swiftly
Present Tense Agreement
In present tense constructions, third-person singular subjects require verbs with an -s ending, while all other forms use the base verb form. For instance:
| Subject | Verb Form |
|---|---|
| He/She/It | walks |
| I/You/We/They | walk |
Compound Subjects with “and”
When two or more subjects connect with “and,” they form a plural subject requiring a plural verb. For example:
- My brother and sister are going to the concert
- The book and the pen are on the desk
Either/Or and Neither/Nor Situations
With either/or and neither/nor constructions, the verb agrees with the subject nearest to it. This creates a unique pattern where the placement of subjects can affect verb choice:
- Either the teacher or the students have finished their work
- Neither the students nor the teacher has completed the assignment
This first section establishes the foundational concepts of subject-verb agreement, setting the stage for more complex applications and exceptions that will follow. The rules presented here serve as building blocks for understanding more intricate grammatical patterns and ensuring consistently accurate writing.
Common Challenges
Intervening Phrases
One of the most common challenges in subject-verb agreement occurs when phrases come between the subject and verb. These intervening phrases can create confusion about which word is actually the subject. The key is to identify the main subject by mentally removing the intervening phrase:
“The box of chocolates is on the table.” (Box is singular, so we use “is”)
“The collection of rare coins has been authenticated.” (Collection is singular)
Indefinite Pronouns
Indefinite pronouns present unique challenges in subject-verb agreement. Some are always singular, others are always plural, and a few can be either depending on context:
Always Singular:
- Everyone
- Anybody
- Nobody
- Someone
- Each
Always Plural:
- Both
- Few
- Many
- Several
Collective Nouns
Collective nouns represent groups but are typically treated as singular entities in American English. However, the treatment can vary based on whether you’re emphasizing the group as a unit or its individual members:
“The team is practicing for the championship.” (group acting as one unit)
“The faculty are divided on this issue.” (members acting individually)
Distance and Time Expressions
When dealing with expressions of time, money, or measurement, treat them as singular units even if the numbers appear plural:
“Ten dollars is too much for that book.”
“Five miles is a long distance to walk.”
“Two hours seems like a long wait.”
Pro Tip: When in doubt about collective nouns, consider whether the group is acting as a single unit (singular verb) or as individuals (plural verb).
Special Cases
Gerunds and Infinitives
Gerunds (verbs ending in -ing used as nouns) are always singular and take singular verbs:
“Running is my favorite exercise.”
“Reading mystery novels helps improve critical thinking.”
Infinitives (to + verb) also function as singular subjects:
“To succeed requires dedication and hard work.”
“To practice regularly is essential for improvement.”
This section addresses some of the most challenging aspects of subject-verb agreement, providing clear guidelines for navigating complex grammatical situations. Understanding these special cases helps writers maintain consistency and accuracy in their writing, regardless of the sentence structure’s complexity.
Complex Sentence Structures
Multiple Subject Components
Complex sentences with multiple subject components require careful attention to maintain proper agreement. The key lies in identifying the true subject among various elements:
“The CEO, along with her executive team, is attending the conference.”
“The paintings, as well as the sculpture, belongs to the museum.”
In these cases, phrases beginning with “along with,” “as well as,” “in addition to,” or “together with” don’t create compound subjects. The verb agrees with the main subject only.
Inverted Sentences
When sentences begin with “there” or “here,” the true subject follows the verb. Look past the introductory word to find the actual subject:
“There are three books on the shelf.”
“Here comes the parade.”
Subordinate Clauses
Subordinate clauses can complicate subject-verb agreement, especially in sentences with relative pronouns (who, which, that):
“She is one of those teachers who make learning fun.”
“This is the only one of the paintings that is still available.”
Professional Writing Considerations
Academic Writing Examples
Academic writing demands precise subject-verb agreement. Common academic contexts include:
“The data suggest that further research is needed.”
“Each of the experiments was conducted under controlled conditions.”
Business Communication
In professional correspondence, proper subject-verb agreement conveys competence and attention to detail:
“The quarterly reports indicate a positive trend.”
“Neither the marketing team nor the sales department has submitted their budget.”
Technical Documentation
Technical writing requires exceptional clarity and precision in subject-verb agreement:
“The software updates automatically when new versions are available.”
“Each module requires separate testing and validation.”
Pro Tip: In technical writing, be especially careful with collective nouns related to systems and processes. Treat them as singular unless specifically referring to multiple distinct units.
This section explores more sophisticated applications of subject-verb agreement rules, particularly relevant for professional and academic contexts. Understanding these nuances helps writers maintain grammatical accuracy in complex documents and formal communications.
Troubleshooting Guide
Common Mistakes
Understanding frequent errors in subject-verb agreement helps writers avoid these pitfalls:
Compound Subject Confusion
“Neither the students nor the teacher was present.” (correct)
“Neither the students nor the teacher were present.” (incorrect)
Indefinite Pronoun Errors
“Everyone has submitted their assignments.” (correct)
“Everyone have submitted their assignments.” (incorrect)
Correction Strategies
Follow these systematic approaches to identify and correct agreement errors:
- Identify the true subject by removing modifying phrases
- Determine if the subject is singular or plural
- Match the verb form accordingly
- Double-check special cases and exceptions
Self-Check Methods
Implement these reliable techniques to verify subject-verb agreement:
- Read sentences aloud
- Circle subjects and verbs to verify their relationship
- Break complex sentences into simpler components
Practical Resources
Quick Reference Tools
Keep these essential guidelines handy for quick reference:
Basic Agreement Checklist:
- Singular subject → singular verb
- Plural subject → plural verb
- Compound subjects with “and” → plural verb
- Either/or subjects → verb agrees with closer subject
Common Exceptions Summary:
- Collective nouns (context-dependent)
- Measurements (treated as singular)
- Titles (always singular)
Practice Exercises
Try these examples to reinforce your understanding:
Fill in the correct verb form:
- The quality of these products _ (vary/varies)
- Neither of the options _ (is/are) acceptable
- The team _ (has/have) won their matches
Pro Tip: Create a personal list of challenging cases you encounter in your writing. Review and practice these regularly to strengthen your grasp of subject-verb agreement.
This section provides practical tools and exercises for mastering subject-verb agreement, emphasizing both error prevention and correction strategies. Regular practice with these resources helps develop a natural sense for proper agreement in various writing contexts.
FAQ Section
Common Questions
Q: When should I use “none is” versus “none are”?
A: “None” can take either a singular or plural verb, depending on the intended meaning. Use “is” when emphasizing “not one,” and “are” when referring to “not any.”
Q: How do I handle titles of works?
A: Titles of works, regardless of their internal structure, always take singular verbs. “The Great Expectations is a classic novel.”
Q: What about fractions and percentages?
A: The verb agreement depends on the noun that follows the fraction or percentage. “Half of the cake is gone.” “Half of the students are present.”
Edge Cases
Special Constructions:
- “One of the…” always takes a singular verb
- “The number of…” is singular
- “A number of…” is plural
Special Situations
Mathematics and Statistics:
Two plus two equals four
Statistics is a challenging subject
Time Periods:
Ten years is a long time
Five minutes is all I need
Interactive Learning Elements
To reinforce your understanding, try these practical applications:
Quick Self-Assessment:
- Identify the correct verb form in complex sentences
- Practice with mixed subject types
- Review special cases and exceptions
Practice Worksheet:
Create sentences using:
- Collective nouns
- Indefinite pronouns
- Distance and time expressions
Error Correction Exercises:
Find and correct agreement errors in sample texts:
- Business emails
- Academic papers
- Technical documentation
This final section addresses specific concerns and provides interactive elements for practical application. Regular practice with these exercises helps develop mastery of subject-verb agreement across all writing contexts.
Remember that mastering subject-verb agreement is an ongoing process. Keep these resources handy and regularly review challenging cases to maintain grammatical accuracy in your writing.
Final Pro Tip: When in doubt, simplify the sentence structure to clarify the relationship between subject and verb. Complex sentences can always be broken down into simpler components for easier agreement checking.
Appendix: Additional Resources and Tools
Quick Reference Guide
Subject-Verb Agreement Cheat Sheet
| Subject Type | Example | Correct Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Singular Nouns | cat, book, person | The cat sleeps |
| Plural Nouns | cats, books, people | The cats sleep |
| Collective Nouns | team, family, jury | The team is/are |
| Indefinite Pronouns | everyone, anybody | Everyone is |
Digital Tools and Resources
Grammar Checkers:
- Grammarly
- ProWritingAid
- Hemingway Editor
Practice Platforms:
- Khan Academy Grammar Exercises
- Purdue OWL Writing Lab
- English Grammar Exercises Online
Style Guide Integration
For Academic Writing
- Follow specific style guide requirements (APA, MLA, Chicago)
- Maintain consistency in technical terms
- Use appropriate academic tone
For Business Writing
- Emphasize clarity and precision
- Follow company style guidelines
- Maintain professional tone
Downloadable Resources
Practice Materials:
This appendix provides supplementary materials and resources for continued learning and reference. Use these tools to reinforce your understanding and maintain consistency in your writing practice.
For additional resources and practice exercises, visit: