Hello and welcome to this article! If you’ve ever been confused about whether to use is or are, has or have, you’re in the right place. Subject-verb agreement is all about making sure your subject and verb match in number. Don’t worry—it’s not as hard as it sounds! By the end of this guide, you’ll be a pro at this grammar rule.  Let start..

What is Subject-Verb Agreement?

Subject-verb agreement simply means that the subject (the person or thing doing the action) and the verb (the action) in a sentence must agree in number. If the subject is singular, the verb must be singular. If the subject is plural, the verb must be plural.

Examples:

• The cat is sleeping. (Singular subject + singular verb)
• The cats are sleeping. (Plural subject + plural verb)

See? It’s all about balance!

Why is Subject-Verb Agreement Important?

Using correct subject-verb agreement makes your writing and speech clear and professional. Incorrect agreement can confuse readers or listeners. For example:

• Incorrect: The dogs runs fast.
• Correct: The dogs run fast.

Proper agreement ensures your message is understood correctly.

Examples of Subject-Verb Agreement

Here are some examples to illustrate the concept:

1. Singular Subject + Singular Verb:
   • The teacher is explaining the lesson.
   • The child plays with toys.
2. Plural Subject + Plural Verb:
   • The teachers are explaining the lessons.
   • The children play with toys.

Subject-Verb Agreement Rules

Let’s explore the key rules of subject-verb agreement with examples:

Rule 1: Two Subjects Joined by ‘And’ = Plural Verb

When two subjects are connected by “and,” use a plural verb.

• Ram and Shyam have completed the work.
• My friend and his sister are coming to the party.

Rule 2: Two Singular Nouns Joined by ‘And’ Referring to the Same Thing = Singular Verb

If two singular nouns connected by “and” refer to the same thing, use a singular verb.

• Bread and butter is my favorite breakfast.
• Rice and pulse is healthy.

Rule 3: Quantifiers = Plural Verb

Words like both, many, several, or a few take a plural verb.

• Both of them are invited to the wedding.
• Several students are absent today.

Rule 4: Indefinite Pronouns = Singular Verb

Indefinite pronouns like everyone, each, someone, and no one are always singular.

• Everyone is excited for the holiday.
• No one knows the answer.

Rule 5: Percentages/Parts of Something = Plural Verb if Plural Meaning

If a percentage refers to something plural, use a plural verb.

• 50% of the cookies are gone!
• A large part of the cake was eaten.

Rule 6: Either/Or and Neither/Nor = Verb Matches the Nearest Subject

When subjects are joined by either/or or neither/nor, the verb agrees with the noun closest to it.

• Neither the teacher nor the students were ready.
• Either the manager or the employees are responsible for the task.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Collective Nouns:
   Collective nouns (like team, family, group) can be singular or plural depending on context.
   • The team is winning. (Singular, as the team is one unit.)
   • The team are arguing over the strategy. (Plural, as individual members are involved.)
2. Indefinite Pronouns:
   Words like everyone, someone, and each are always singular.
   • Everyone is invited to the meeting.
   • Someone has left their bag here.

Practice Exercises

Test your understanding with these exercises. Fill in the blanks with the correct verb form:

1. The cat _____ (is/are) sleeping on the couch.
2. The dogs _____ (barks/bark) loudly at night.
3. Bread and butter _____ (is/are) my favorite snack.
4. Each of the students _____ (has/have) completed the assignment.
5. Neither the teacher nor the students _____ (was/were) ready for the test.
6. Everyone _____ (is/are) excited about the trip.
7. The team _____ (is/are) playing well today.
8. Both of the books _____ (is/are) interesting.
9. Either the manager or the employees _____ (is/are) responsible for the task.
10. None of the cake _____ (was/were) left after the party.
11. The group of friends _____ (is/are) planning a trip.
12. Someone _____ (has/have) left their bag in the classroom.
13. The children _____ (plays/play) in the park every evening.
14. Neither the cat nor the dog _____ (likes/like) the new food.
15. A large part of the cookies _____ (was/were) eaten by the kids.

Advanced Subject-Verb Agreement

As you advance in English, you’ll encounter more complex cases:

1. Agreement with Collective Nouns:
   • The team is playing great. (Singular)
   • The team are arguing over the strategy. (Plural)
2. None and All:
   • None of the cake was left. (Singular)
   • None of the students are absent. (Plural)

Recap:

Subject-verb agreement is a simple yet essential rule in English grammar. Remember:

• Singular subject = Singular verb
• Plural subject = Plural verb

With practice, you’ll master this rule and improve your writing and speaking skills.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is subject-verb agreement?
   It’s the rule that the subject and verb in a sentence must agree in number.
2. Can the subject and verb be separated by other words?
   Yes, but the verb must still agree with the subject.
   Example: The dog, as well as the cat, is sleeping.
3. What happens when two subjects are connected by ‘and’?
   Use a plural verb. Example: Tom and Jerry are friends.
4. How do you use subject-verb agreement with collective nouns?
   Use a singular verb if the group acts as one unit, and a plural verb if individual members are involved.
5. What happens with ‘neither…nor’ or ‘either…or’?
   The verb agrees with the noun closest to it. Example: Neither the teacher nor the students are ready.
6. What about indefinite pronouns like ‘everyone’ or ‘someone’?
   They are always singular. Example: Everyone is invited.
7. Are percentages singular or plural?
   It depends on what they refer to. Example: 10% of the cake was eaten (singular) vs. 10% of the books are missing (plural).
8. Can I use a plural verb for a singular subject if it’s a compound subject?
   Yes, if the compound subject is joined by “and,” use a plural verb. Example: Tom and Jane are coming.
9. Is subject-verb agreement affected by words like ‘each’ or ‘everyone’?
   Yes, these words are singular. Example: Each of the players is ready.
10. What happens when a subject and verb are far apart in a sentence?
    The verb must still agree with the subject. Example: The teacher, along with the students, is excited about the field trip.

Thanks for reading this article! I hope it helped you understand subject-verb agreement better. Keep practicing, and soon you’ll be using it like a pro. If you enjoyed this guide, don’t forget to share it with your friends and visit us at www.studtechinsight.com for more fun and easy learning tips. Happy learning! 😊

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