Grammar - Subject–Verb Agreement
Subject–Verb Agreement – Complete Explanation
1. What is Subject–Verb Agreement?
Subject–verb agreement means that the verb must match the subject in number (singular or plural) and person (first, second, or third person).
A singular subject takes a singular verb.
A plural subject takes a plural verb.
Examples
She plays football. ✅
They play football. ✅
Incorrect:
She play football. ❌
They plays football. ❌
2. Singular and Plural Subjects
Singular Subject + Singular Verb
Examples:
The boy runs fast.
My father works in a hospital.
The cat is sleeping.
Plural Subject + Plural Verb
Examples:
The boys run fast.
My parents work in a hospital.
The cats are sleeping.
3. Subject Pronouns and Verbs
| Subject | Verb (Present Simple) | Example |
|---|---|---|
| I | play | I play football. |
| You | play | You play football. |
| We | play | We play football. |
| They | play | They play football. |
| He | plays | He plays football. |
| She | plays | She plays football. |
| It | plays | It plays football. |
Rule
In the Present Simple Tense, add -s or -es to the verb when the subject is he, she, it, or a singular noun.
Examples:
She writes neatly.
The dog barks loudly.
4. Agreement with the Verb "Be"
Present Tense
| Subject | Verb |
|---|---|
| I | am |
| You | are |
| He | is |
| She | is |
| It | is |
| We | are |
| They | are |
Examples:
I am happy.
She is a teacher.
They are students.
Past Tense
| Subject | Verb |
|---|---|
| I | was |
| He | was |
| She | was |
| It | was |
| You | were |
| We | were |
| They | were |
Examples:
He was absent yesterday.
We were late.
5. Compound Subjects
Joined by and
Usually take a plural verb.
Examples:
Tom and Jerry are friends.
My brother and sister live in Yangon.
Exception
If two nouns refer to the same person or thing, use a singular verb.
Example:
My friend and teacher is here.
(The same person is both your friend and teacher.)
6. Subjects Joined by "or", "nor", "either...or", "neither...nor"
The verb agrees with the subject closest to it.
Examples:
Either the teacher or the students are coming.
Either the students or the teacher is coming.
Neither my parents nor my brother is at home.
Neither my brother nor my parents are at home.
7. Indefinite Pronouns
Always Singular
everyone
everybody
someone
somebody
anyone
anybody
no one
nobody
each
either
neither
Examples:
Everyone is ready.
Somebody has called.
Each student receives a certificate.
Always Plural
both
few
many
several
Examples:
Many are absent today.
Both have finished the work.
Can Be Singular or Plural
Their verb depends on whether the noun they refer to is countable or uncountable.
all
some
any
most
none
Examples:
Some water is dirty. (uncountable)
Some students are absent. (countable)
8. Collective Nouns
Collective nouns usually take a singular verb when the group acts as one unit.
Examples:
The team is winning.
My family lives in Yangon.
If the members are acting individually (more common in British English), a plural verb may be used.
Example:
The team are arguing among themselves.
9. Uncountable Nouns
Always take a singular verb.
Examples:
Water is essential.
Information is useful.
Furniture is expensive.
Advice is helpful.
10. Titles of Books, Movies, and Subjects
Even if they look plural, they usually take a singular verb.
Examples:
Mathematics is my favorite subject.
The Chronicles of Narnia is a famous book series.
11. Distances, Time, Money, and Measurements
When considered as one amount, use a singular verb.
Examples:
Five kilometers is a long walk.
Ten dollars is enough.
Two hours is plenty of time.
12. Nouns Ending in "-s"
Some nouns end in -s but are singular.
Examples:
Mathematics is difficult.
News is interesting.
Physics is fascinating.
Some are plural.
Examples:
Scissors are on the table.
Trousers are too long.
Glasses are expensive.
When using a pair of, the verb becomes singular.
Examples:
A pair of scissors is on the table.
A pair of trousers was bought yesterday.
13. There is / There are
The verb agrees with the noun that follows.
Examples:
There is a book on the table.
There are three books on the table.
There was an accident yesterday.
There were many people at the meeting.
14. Each and Every
Use a singular verb.
Examples:
Each student has a notebook.
Every child needs love.
15. Expressions of Quantity
Examples:
A number of students are absent. (plural)
The number of students is increasing. (singular)
16. Fractions and Percentages
The verb agrees with the noun after of.
Examples:
Fifty percent of the cake is gone.
Fifty percent of the students are absent.
17. Relative Pronouns (Who, Which, That)
The verb agrees with the noun the relative pronoun refers to.
Examples:
She is one of the students who study hard.
He is the only student who studies hard.
18. Subject Separated from the Verb
Ignore words or phrases between the subject and the verb.
Examples:
The teacher, along with the students, is ready.
The book on the table belongs to me.
The true subject is teacher and book, not the words between them.
19. Gerunds and Infinitives as Subjects
A gerund or an infinitive used as the subject takes a singular verb.
Examples:
Swimming is good exercise.
To learn English is important.
20. Common Errors
❌ He go to school every day.
✅ He goes to school every day.
❌ They plays football.
✅ They play football.
❌ Everyone have finished.
✅ Everyone has finished.
❌ The news are good.
✅ The news is good.
❌ Neither the students nor the teacher are here.
✅ Neither the students nor the teacher is here.
❌ There is many books on the shelf.
✅ There are many books on the shelf.
Quick Summary Table
| Subject | Correct Verb | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Singular noun | Singular verb | The boy runs. |
| Plural noun | Plural verb | The boys run. |
| He/She/It | V5 (adds -s/-es) | She writes. |
| I/You/We/They | V1 | They write. |
| Everyone | Singular | Everyone is happy. |
| Both | Plural | Both are ready. |
| Water | Singular | Water is important. |
| Scissors | Plural | Scissors are sharp. |
| A pair of scissors | Singular | A pair of scissors is on the desk. |
| There + singular noun | is | There is a cat. |
| There + plural noun | are | There are two cats. |
Memory Tips
Singular subject → Singular verb
The bird flies.
Plural subject → Plural verb
The birds fly.
He / She / It → Add -s or -es to the verb
She teaches English.
Everyone, each, either, neither → Singular verb
Everyone is welcome.
There is / There are → Match the noun after "there."
There is a pen.
There are pens.
Easy Definition to Remember
Subject–verb agreement is the grammatical rule that the verb must match its subject in person and number.
Singular subject → Singular verb
The student studies every day.
Plural subject → Plural verb
The students study every day.
Mastering subject–verb agreement helps you write and speak accurate, natural, and grammatically correct English.
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