SUBJECT-VERB AGREEMENT

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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.

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When should a singular verb be used?

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A singular verb should be used when the subject is singular, meaning it refers to one person, place, thing, or idea.

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When should a plural verb be used?

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A plural verb should be used when the subject is plural, meaning it refers to more than one person, place, thing, or idea.

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Example of subject-verb agreement with a singular subject:

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"The cat (sits) on the mat." (Correct: sits)

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Example of subject-verb agreement with a plural subject:

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"The cats (sit) on the mat." (Correct: sit)

Front

What is the rule for compound subjects joined by 'and'?

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When subjects are joined by 'and', they typically take a plural verb.

Front

Example of a compound subject with 'and':

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"Tom and Jerry (are) friends." (Correct: are)

Front

What is the rule for compound subjects joined by 'or' or 'nor'?

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When subjects are joined by 'or' or 'nor', the verb agrees with the subject closest to it.

Front

Example of a compound subject with 'or':

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"Neither the teacher nor the students (were) present." (Correct: were)

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What is the rule for collective nouns?

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