English Class #2

​Subject Verb Agreement

By Ainun Najib Alfatih

Subject Verb Agreement

Understanding SVA

It is important to understand subject verb agreement for IELTS. If you are making errors with this in your writing or speaking, it will be very noticeable as it is a very basic error. 

For example, take a look at this paragraph which has errors with subject verb agreement: 

Subject Verb Agreement

Understanding SVA

Some people argue that leaving people in prison for a long time mean that they will mix with other criminals and so their character will not improve. The alternative are community service. This gives an offender the opportunity to give something positive back to society, and so it may improves their character. Also, the government could focus its resources on the causes of crime, which would leads to less crime in the future. 

Subject Verb Agreement

The Basic Rules

These are the basic rules of subject verb agreement:

1) For a singular third person (he / she / it) in the present tense, the verb must have an -s ending:

Subject Verb Agreement

The Basic Rules

Singular: He takes the bus to work every morning.

Plural: His family take the train.

Multiple Choice

Choose the correct sentence.

• She speak in English

• She speaks in English

• She speaking in English.

Multiple Select

Look at and select the right option.

• Tamara learn interesting things about the world.

• Tamara learnes interesting things about the world.

• Tamara learns interesting things about the world.

Multiple Select

Choose the correct option.

• Geroge teaches english and statistics.

• Geroge teachs english and statistics.

• Geroge teach english and statistics.

Multiple Select

Select the regular nouns that you need to add S to form the plural:

• Book

• Apple

• Bus

• Dog

Multiple Select

Select the nouns that you need to add ES to form the plural.

• Bus

• Quiz

• Book

• Box

Multiple Select

Select the regular nouns that you add VES to form the plural:

• Leaf

• Wolf

• Book

• Knife

Multiple Select

Select the Plural nouns ending in VOWEL + Y; add S

• Day

• Key

• City

• Boy

Multiple Select

Select the Plural nouns ending in CONSONANT + Y; add IES

• City

• Donkey

• Story

• Monkey

Multiple Select

Select the Plural nouns ending in CONSONANT + Y; add ES

• City

• Donkey

• Story

• Monkey

Multiple Select

Select the Plural nouns ending in VOWEL + O; add S

• Zoo

• Hero

• Echo

• Radio

Multiple Select

Select the Plural nouns ending in Consonant + O; add ES

• Tomato

• Piano

• Potato

• Photo

Multiple Select

Irregular Plural Nouns- Select ALL irregular plural nouns

• Man

• Child

• Foot

• Tooth

• Person

Multiple Select

Select ALL plural nouns that DO NOT CHANGE

• Sheep

• Deer

• Fish

• Series

• Species

Multiple Choice

Looks at the picture and write the correct pair for singular and plural noun

• Apple - Apples

• Apple - Applies

• Apple - Appleve

Subject Verb Agreement

The Basic Rules

2) Different formations are used for the irregular verb 'to be', but an -s is still used for the third person singular.

Singular: He was on the bus by 9am

Plural: His children were on the train by 9.30am.

Multiple Choice

What is the plural form of the word: person

• people

• persons

• persones

Multiple Choice

What is the plural form of the word: foot

• foots

• feet

• footes

Multiple Choice

What is the plural form of the word: fish

• fishes

• fishs

• fish

Multiple Choice

What is the plural form of the word: leaf

• leaves

• leafs

• leafes

Multiple Choice

What is the plural form of the word: mouse

• mouses

• mise

• mice

Multiple Choice

What is the plural form of the word: crisis

• crisis

• crisises

• crises

Multiple Choice

What is the plural form of the word: curriculum

• curriculas

• curriculumns

• curricula

Multiple Choice

What is the plural form of the word: Analysis

• analysises

• analyses

• analysis

Multiple Choice

What is the plural form of the word: alumni

• alumnas

• alumnae

• alumnis

Multiple Choice

What is the plural form of the word: larva

• larvaes

• larvas

• larvae

Subject Verb Agreement

The Basic Rules

However, these are just the basic rules.

There are other things that are important to understand in order to ensure you are using subject verb agreement correctly in all contexts and some things that are confusing.

We'll look at some of these now.

Subject Verb Agreement

There is and there are

When you use there is and there are, 'there' is never the subject. The subject is the word that comes after the verb.

Therefore, you need to look at that word to decide if the verb is singular or plural.

There are several reasons why we must tackle the problem of global warming.

There is one main reason we must tackle global warming.

What sometimes confuses people is when there are several nouns after the verb. It is common to make the mistake of using a plural verb. In fact, the verb should agree with only the first noun. 

Subject Verb Agreement

There is and there are

Take a look at this simple example:

There is a pen, some pencils, and a rubber on the table.

There are pens, one pencil and some rubbers on the table.

In each of these examples, you just need to look at the first noun to decide if the subject is singular or plural - you can ignore the ones after this. 

Multiple Choice

............. a hospital near here ?

• there are

• there is

• is there

• are there

Multiple Choice

There are … desks in my class

• a
• an
• some
• any

Multiple Choice

... any sugar in the kitchen ? No, ...

• Is there - is there

• Is there - there isn't

• Are there - there isn't

• are there - there aren't

Multiple Choice

There ....... a cat ....... the armchair

• is - on

• are - beside

• is - next to

• are - by

Multiple Choice

Choose true or false in the following sentences based on the picture

There is no bolster in the bedroom

• True

• False

Multiple Choice

Is there a globe in this picture ?

• No, there aren't.

• No, there isn't.

• Yes, there are.

• Yes, there is.

Multiple Choice

A : .......... there six chairs in the dining room?

B : Yes, ........

• is - there is

• are - there aren't

• are - there are

• is - there isn't

Multiple Choice

Where are the shoes?

• They're under the table

• It is behind the table

• They're on the table

• It's under the table

Subject Verb Agreement

Separated Subjects

Another common mistake is when the subject is separated from the verb by a prepositional phrase, relative clause, or reduced relative clause.

A mistake is to make the verb agree with the last noun in the phrase or clause rather than the subject of the sentence:

Incorrect: Improving the situation of people in cities are very important.

Correct: Improving the situation (of people in cities) is very important.

It should not agree with 'cities' as this is part of the prepositional phrase. 

Multiple Choice

What is the subject in the following sentence?

"Marnie lives in the countryside"

• Marnie

• lives

• countryside

Multiple Choice

What is the subject in the following sentence?

"Social media causes depression and anxiety"

• social media

• social

• media

• causes

Multiple Choice

What is the subject in the following sentence?

"I listen to the BBC Radio Station every day"

• I

• listen to

• BBC Radio Station

• every day

Multiple Choice

What is the subject in the following sentence?

"Researchers in Austria found that using Facebook for 20 minutes lower your moods"

• Researchers

• Austria

• found

• Facebook

Multiple Choice

What is the subject in the following sentence?

"Women use social media more than men"

• men

• women

• use

• social media

Multiple Choice

What is the verb in the following sentence?

"Marnie lives in the countryside"

• Marnie

• lives

• countryside

Multiple Choice

What is the verb in the following sentence?

"Social media causes depression and anxiety"

• social media

• social

• media

• causes

Multiple Choice

What is the verb in the following sentence?

"Researchers in Austria found that using Facebook for 20 minutes lower your moods"

• Researchers

• Austria

• found

• Facebook

Multiple Choice

What is the verb in the following sentence?

"Women use social media more than men"

• men

• women

• use

• social media

Multiple Choice

What are the subject and the verb in the following sentence?

My uncle's family lives in the United Kingdom.

• My uncle's family / the United Kingdom

• family / lives

• my uncle's / lives

• my uncle's family / lives

Multiple Choice

What are the subject and the verb in the following sentence?

Maha and I love traveling together.

• Maha and I / love

• Maha / love

• I / love

• Maha and I / traveling

Multiple Choice

What are the subject and the verb in the following sentence?

Scientists use parts of the virus or bacteria to create vaccines.

• Scientists / vaccine

• Scientists / use

• Scientists / missing verb

• Scientists / create

Multiple Choice

Concept Check Question:

What is the meaning of "subject"?

• a part of a sentence that contains the person or thing performing the action

• a word that expresses an action or a state of being

• a word that I hate because it makes me confused

• khaliwali, teacher

Multiple Choice

Concept Check Question:

What is the meaning of "verb"?

• a part of a sentence that contains the person or thing performing the action

• a word that expresses an action or a state of being

• a word that I hate because it makes me confused

• khaliwali, teacher

Multiple Select

Concept Check Question:

What are the examples of subject? Select all that apply

• I, We, You, They

• He, She, It

• run, sleep, use, walk

• I am confused, teacher. What are you talking about?

Multiple Select

Concept Check Question:

What are the examples of verb? Select all that apply

• I, We, You, They

• He, She, It

• run, sleep, use, walk

• am, is, are

Subject Verb Agreement

Separated Subjects

Here are some more examples of correct subject verb agreement (the phrase or clause that should be ignored for purposes of agreement is in brackets):

Obesity (in children) is a growing concern.

The decision (made by the country's leaders after numerous meetings) was definitely the right one.

The new roads (which the government has built) have not reduced congestion.

Subject Verb Agreement

Expressions of Quantity

Another difficult area with subject verb agreement is dealing with quantities.

When a quantity word is followed by a prepositional phrase, it can follow the rules above i.e. the verb agrees with the subject (the quantity):

One of the new teachers is from India.

None of the candidates is likely to get my vote. (In spoken English the plural form is commonly used - 'are likely')

Five of my friends are coming with me on holiday.

Multiple Choice

I'm sorry but I haven't got (much/many) time.

• much

• many

Multiple Choice

I don't have __________ pens.

• a

• some

• any

Multiple Choice

I don't have __________ pens.

• a

• some

• any

Multiple Choice

I can see __________ boys playing football.

• an

• some

• any

Multiple Choice

We don't need __________ cars.

• an

• some

• any

Multiple Choice

There are _______ chairs in his room.

• a

• some

• any

Multiple Choice

__________ cat is sleeping.

• a

• some

• any

Multiple Choice

Which sentence is correct?

• Do you have any pets?

• I have any fruit in my fridge.

• There are any dolls in his room.

Multiple Choice

Are there _______ students in that room?

• a

• some

• any

Multiple Choice

I have _______ milk in the fridge.

• a

• some

• any

Multiple Choice

I don’t want _______ tomato juice.

• a

• some

• any

Multiple Choice

There are _______ butterflies on the roof.

• a

• some

• any

Multiple Choice

There were not _____ people left when the party came to an end.

• a little

• much

• little

• many

Multiple Choice

There was _____ chance of finding the two mountaineers alive.

• few

• little

• a little

• more

Multiple Choice

Jogging _____ my favorite sport.

• are

• was

• is

• does

Multiple Choice

There were not much people at the concert.

• Correct

• Incorrect

Multiple Choice

Charles has only been to ____________ rock concerts

• a few

• not much

• a large amount

• a little

Multiple Choice

There isn´t ______________ live music at the festival

• many

• a few

• much

• a number of

Multiple Choice

Carolina bought ___________ of food for the quarentine.

• many

• much

• a few

• plenty

Multiple Choice

An enormous number of people are involved in the crime.

• Correct

• Incorrect

Multiple Choice

little tourists come back around three or four times a year.

• Correct

• Incorrect

Multiple Choice

____________of people have complained.

Multiple Choice

___________my friend s speak Japanese.

Multiple Choice

I can see__________boys playing football.

Multiple Choice

We didn't buy _____ oranges.

• any

• a little

• some

• much

Multiple Choice

She just needs ________ time to finish.

• much

• a little

• a few

• any

Multiple Choice

There's _______ of butter for the recipe.

• a few

• some

• any

• a lot

Multiple Choice

There are (a few/ a little) grapes in the fridge.

• a little

• a few

Multiple Choice

Have you got (some/any) butter?

• some

• any

Multiple Choice

I met (some/any) friends of yours last night.

• some

• any

Multiple Choice

She speaks (a few/a little) minutes and then left.

• a few

• a little

Subject Verb Agreement

Expressions of Quantity

However, for some quantity phrases you do need to refer to the noun in the prepositional phrase to decide if the verb is singular or plural: 

Subject Verb Agreement

Neither and Either

With these phrases, the verb must agree with the noun that is closest to the verb:

Neither the child nor her parents are at the school.

Neither the parents nor their child is at the school.

Either my brother or my sisters usually help me.

Either my sisters or my brother usually helps me.

Multiple Choice

_______ Joe _______ his sisters could understand what their parents were saying when they spoke French.

• neither - or

• either - nor

• neither - nor

• either - not

• neither - and

Multiple Choice

_____________ you clean your room _____________ you will stay home this weekend.

• either/or

• whether/or

• not only/but also

• both/and

Multiple Choice

... restaurants are very good.

• Both
• Either

Multiple Choice

 'Do you want tea or coffee? ' ... , I really don’t mind.' 

• either
• neither

Multiple Choice

In this game, you ____ win ____ lose. It depends on you.

• either...or
• neither...nor

Multiple Choice

_____ Sue _____ Sara will help you with your homework. They are both busy at the moment.

• Either...or
• Neither...nor

Multiple Choice

This is my offer. You _____ take it _____ leave it.

• either...or
• neither..nor

Multiple Choice

When I go to the restaurant, I eat _____ fish _____ roast chicken. These are my favorite meals.

• either...or
• neither...nor

Multiple Choice

Do ____ of you have any money I can borrow?

• neither
• both
• either

Multiple Choice

Which sentence is correct?

• Neither of them lives here. 
• Neither of they live here. 
• Neither Alice or Mark live here. 

Multiple Choice

Which sentence is NOT correct? 

• Both of the boys like hamburgers.
•  Both boys like hamburgers.  Incorrect
  
• Both of boys like hamburgers. 

Multiple Choice

Which sentence is correct?

• We neither have any money.
• Neither us have any money. 
• Neither of us has any money. 

Subject Verb Agreement

Indefinite Proanouns as subjects

A common mistake is made in subject verb agreement with indefinite pronouns as people often assume they must take a plural verb because they refer to more than one thing.

Here are some common examples of indefinite pronouns: 

Everyone seems to be nervous about the exam.

Something needs to be done about the increasing rate of crime.

According to the news, nobodyis directly responsible for the problems.

Multiple Choice

I am hungry, I want ___________ to eat

• anywhere

• something

• nothing

• nowhere

Multiple Choice

I don't know ___________ about her

• anywhere

• anyone

• anything

• something

Multiple Choice

The children didn't eat ___________ for lunch

• something

• somewhere

• anything

• anywhere

Multiple Choice

He knows ____________ about dogs

• nothing

• anything

• no one

• somebody

Multiple Choice

Look! There's __________ in the water

• anywhere

• anything

• somewhere

• something

Multiple Choice

Let's go ___________ together this evening

• something

• somewhere

• anyone

• no one

Multiple Choice

She didn't tell _______________ the truth about her boyfriend

• someone

• anybody

• something

• anywhere

Multiple Choice

There's ___________ you can say to make me happy

• nothing

• anything

• nobody

• anybody

Multiple Choice

I looked _____________ for my bag but Icouldn't find it

• anyone

• no one

• everybody

• everywhere

Multiple Choice

The book was very interesting but ____________ liked it

• everybody

• anybody

• nobody

• somebody

Multiple Choice

I didn't do ___________ at school today

• anything

• nothing

• something

• anyone

Multiple Choice

I know my keys are __________ in my room.

Have you seen them?

• somthing

• anything

• anywhere

• somewhere

Multiple Choice

Is there ______ to do here?

• everything

• anything

• somewhere

• anywhere

Multiple Choice

I think there is ______ in the water.

• anyone

• everyone

• anything

• something

Multiple Choice

Please tell the salesman at the door that we don't want to buy ________.

• nothing

• nowhere

• something

• anything

Subject Verb Agreement

Modal Verbs

Modal verbs are always followed by the bare infinitive, so in this case the third person singular no longer takes a singular verb:

Incorrect: He will takes the bus to work.

Correct: He will take the bus to work.

Incorrect: It would seems that she is unwell.

Correct: It would seem that she is unwell.

Multiple Choice

You _________wear a jacket because it`s cold outside.

• must

• should

• would

• will

Multiple Choice

You ____________cross the road when the red light is on.

• mustn`t

• must

• can`t

• are able to

Multiple Choice

Tom has an I-Phone 11 pro. His father _________be very rich.

• can

• must

• might

• would

Multiple Choice

You really ___________ watch tv so much. It isn't good for you!

• must
• shouldn't
• might
• would

Multiple Choice

1.  Take an umbrella, it _________ rain later.

• could
• has to
• might
• can't

Multiple Choice

_________ I have a coffee please?

• Must
• Have to
• May
• Would

Multiple Choice

Excuse me_____ you tell me the way to the post office please?

• have

• should

• can

• must

Multiple Choice

I can't find my dictionary. _____ I borrow yours please?

• Must

• Have

• May

• Will

Multiple Choice

You _____ park here. It's an emergency exit.

• can't

• may not

• will

• must not

Multiple Choice

The rock band _________play very well last year.

• must

• couldn't

• can

• should

Subject Verb Agreement

Gerunds

Gerunds (verbs that function as nouns by adding-ing) always take a singular subject. Remember to look at the gerund, not the noun that may come between the gerund and the verb:

Feeding the poor in developing countries is what most aid is used for.

Running my businesses takes up most of my time.

Typing is a skill that I have not yet mastered.

Multiple Select

Mrs. Grant insisted ___ (be) ____ all the times.

• in

• being

• on

• been

Multiple Choice

IDENTIFY THE GERUND(S) 
Blowing bubbles on a windy day is a fun activity for children.

• bubbles
• activity
• blowing
• children

Multiple Choice

IDENTIFY THE GERUND(S)

Putting too many clothes into a washing machine will cause it to malfunction.

• washing

• putting

• malfunction

• cause

Multiple Choice

IDENTIFY THE GERUND(S)

I'm thinking of painting my house.

• I'm

• thinking

• painting

• house

Multiple Choice

IDENTIFY THE GERUND(S)

We're going to see the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

• going

• guard

• see

• changing

Multiple Choice

Choose the sentence that has the gerund after a preposition.

• I love listening to music.

• I'm interested in fashion.

• She's worried about playing the guitar.

• Reading books is one of my favorite activities.

Multiple Choice

Choose the sentence that has the gerund as a subject.

• I practice my English everyday.

• I hate waiting in lines.

• Eating local food is a good way to help people.

• I'm worried about taking the exam.

Multiple Select

She is worried about ___________ sick, so she stays home all the time.

• gets

• getting

• geting

• get

Multiple Choice

Gerunds are used as subjects and after some verbs and prepositions.

• True

• False

Multiple Choice

Is the bold word a verb or a gerund?

The student was doing her online assignments.

• verb

• gerund

Multiple Choice

Is the bold word a verb or a gerund?

Getting ready for school takes longer for my sister than for me.

• verb

• gerund

Multiple Choice

Is the bold word a verb or a gerund?

The band is playing my favorite song!

• verb

• gerund

Multiple Choice

A gerund can be used as the subject of a sentence

• True
• False

Multiple Choice

A gerund can be used after

• a preposition
• certain verbs
• All of the above

Multiple Choice

A gerund is a form of a verb that acts as a _____.

• adjective

• adverb

• verb

• noun

Multiple Choice

What is the gerund in the following sentence?

Becoming a doctor takes years of serious study.

• takes

• becoming

• years

• study

Multiple Select

The weather is terrible tonight. I don't blame you ___ (want, not) ____ to go to the meeting.

• for

• not wanting

• of

• not want

Multiple Select

The rain prevented us ____ (completing) ____ the work.

• in

• from

• complete

• completing

Multiple Select

I have no excuse ___ (be) ___ late.

• of

• being

• be

• for

Multiple Select

I believe ___ (be) ____ honest all the time.

• in

• to

• being

• be

Multiple Select

I'm going to visit my family during the vacation. I'm looking forward ___ (eat) ___ my mother's cooking and (sleep) ____ in my own bed

• to

• eating

• sleep

• sleeping

Multiple Choice

While I was walking down the street, I ran into an old friend. I stopped ___ to him.

• to talk

• talking

Multiple Choice

A gerund is the -ing form of a verb used as a .....

• noun

• preposition

• verb

• adjective