Subject-Verb Agreement

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What is Subject-Verb Agreement?

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Subject-Verb Agreement is the grammatical rule that the subject of a sentence must match the verb in number (singular or plural).

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When do we use a singular verb?

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We use a singular verb when the subject is singular (one person or thing). For example, 'The cat runs.'

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When do we use a plural verb?

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We use a plural verb when the subject is plural (more than one person or thing). For example, 'The cats run.'

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

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When subjects are joined by 'and', they typically take a plural verb. For example, 'Amy and Carlos dance.'

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

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When subjects are joined by 'or', the verb agrees with the subject closest to it. For example, 'Either the skis or the sled slides.'

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What is the rule for collective nouns?

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Collective nouns can be singular or plural depending on whether the group acts as one unit or as individuals. For example, 'The team wins' (singular) vs. 'The team are arguing' (plural).

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What is the rule for 'each' and 'every'?

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When using 'each' or 'every', the verb is always singular. For example, 'Each of the math problems is difficult.'

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What is the rule for 'none' as a subject?

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'None' can be singular or plural depending on the context. For example, 'None of the cake is left' (singular) vs. 'None of the cookies are left' (plural).

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What is the rule for 'a pair of'?

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When using 'a pair of', the verb is usually singular. For example, 'A pair of shoes is on the floor.'

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What is the rule for 'there is' and 'there are'?

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Use 'there is' for singular nouns and 'there are' for plural nouns. For example, 'There is a book on the table.' vs. 'There are books on the table.'