Subject and Verb Agreement

Front

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.

Tags

CCSS.L.3.1F

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.

Tags

CCSS.L.3.1F

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.

Tags

CCSS.L.3.1F

Front

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

Back

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

Tags

CCSS.L.1.1C

CCSS.L.3.1A

CCSS.L.3.1F

CCSS.L.3.1H

CCSS.L.3.1I

Front

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

Back

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

Tags

CCSS.L.3.1F

Front

Example of subject-verb agreement with 'and':

Back

The dog and the cat are playing.

Tags

CCSS.L.3.1F

Front

Example of subject-verb agreement with 'or':

Back

Either the teacher or the students are responsible for the project.

Tags

CCSS.L.3.1F

Front

What is the rule for collective nouns?

Back

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

Tags

CCSS.L.2.1A

Front

Example of collective noun with singular verb:

Back

The team wins the championship.

Tags

CCSS.L.2.1A

Front

Example of collective noun with plural verb:

Back

The team are wearing their new uniforms.

Tags

CCSS.L.2.1A