Subject Verb Agreement #2

Front

What is subject-verb agreement?

Back

Subject-verb agreement is the grammatical rule that the subject of a sentence must agree in number with its verb. This means that singular subjects take singular verbs, and plural subjects take plural verbs.

Front

When do you use a singular verb?

Back

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

Front

When do you use a plural verb?

Back

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

Front

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

Back

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

Front

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

Back

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

Front

Example of subject-verb agreement with 'and':

Back

My sister and I play chess together. (plural subject, plural verb)

Front

Example of subject-verb agreement with 'or':

Back

Either the dog or the cats are outside. (verb agrees with 'cats', which is plural)

Front

What is the exception for collective nouns?

Back

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

Front

Example of collective noun with singular verb:

Back

The team wins the game. (acting as a single unit)

Front

Example of collective noun with plural verb:

Back

The team are wearing their new uniforms. (acting as individuals)