Subject 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.

Front

When should you use 'is'?

Back

Use 'is' with singular subjects, such as 'He is', 'She is', or 'The dog is'.

Front

When should you use 'are'?

Back

Use 'are' with plural subjects, such as 'They are', 'We are', or 'The players are'.

Front

What is the rule for collective nouns like 'jury'?

Back

Collective nouns can be singular or plural depending on whether the group acts as a single unit or as individuals. For example, 'The jury reaches a verdict' (singular) vs. 'The jury are divided in their opinions' (plural).

Front

What is the correct verb form for 'Each of the players ___ dribbling the ball'?

Back

The correct verb form is 'practices' because 'each' is considered singular.

Front

How do you determine the correct verb form with compound subjects?

Back

With compound subjects joined by 'and', use a plural verb. For example, 'Tom and Jerry are friends.'

Front

What is the correct verb form for 'The team ___ winning the game'?

Back

The correct verb form is 'is' because 'team' is a collective noun treated as singular.

Front

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

Back

When subjects are joined by 'or' or 'nor', the verb should agree with the subject closest to it. For example, 'Neither the teacher nor the students are ready.'

Front

What is the correct verb form for 'Pumpkin and corn ___ in season'?

Back

The correct verb form is 'are' because 'pumpkin and corn' is a compound subject.

Front

What is the correct verb form for 'The jury ___ a verdict in just over an hour'?

Back

The correct verb form is 'reaches' because 'jury' is treated as a singular noun.