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Subject Verb Agreement

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40 views8 pages

Subject Verb Agreement

Uploaded by

salmaelshafey3011
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Subject-Verb Agreement: A Detailed Explanation

Subject-verb agreement means that the subject and verb in a sentence must match in number
(singular or plural). A singular subject takes a singular verb, and a plural subject takes a plural
verb. It’s essential for creating grammatically correct sentences.

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1. Basic Rules of Subject-Verb Agreement

A. Singular Subjects Take Singular Verbs

Singular verbs often end in -s or -es in the present tense.

Examples:

1. The cat runs quickly.

2. She likes chocolate.

3. A book is on the table.

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B. Plural Subjects Take Plural Verbs

Plural verbs usually do not end in -s or -es in the present tense.

Examples:

1. The cats run quickly.

2. They like chocolate.

3. Books are on the table.


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2. Special Rules and Scenarios

A. Compound Subjects

If the subject is joined by and, the verb is usually plural.

If the subject is joined by or/nor, the verb agrees with the nearest subject.

Examples:

1. John and Mary are coming to the party. (Two subjects = plural verb)

2. Either John or Mary is responsible. (Verb agrees with the closest subject: Mary)

3. Neither the teachers nor the student is here.

4. Neither the student nor the teachers are here.

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B. Indefinite Pronouns as Subjects

Some indefinite pronouns are singular, some are plural, and others can be both depending on
context.

Singular Pronouns (always take singular verbs):

Each, everyone, someone, anybody, nobody, nothing, something, one, everything, etc.
Examples:

1. Everyone likes pizza.


2. Something is wrong here.

3. Each of the players has a role.

Plural Pronouns (always take plural verbs):

Both, few, many, several.


Examples:

1. Both are responsible.

2. Many enjoy this activity.

Variable Pronouns (depend on context):

All, some, most, any, none.


Examples:

1. All of the cake is gone. ("Cake" is singular.)

2. All of the cookies are gone. ("Cookies" is plural.)

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C. Collective Nouns

Collective nouns refer to a group but are treated as singular in American English.

Examples:

1. The team is winning.


2. The class was dismissed early.

However, in British English, collective nouns can take plural verbs:

1. The team are playing well.

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D. Titles and Names

Even if titles or names seem plural, they are treated as singular.

Examples:

1. "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire" is my favorite book.

2. The United States is a large country.

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E. Quantities and Amounts

Singular when viewed as a whole:


Five dollars is enough. (The amount is considered as one unit.)
One-third of the cake is gone.

Plural when referring to individual items:


Five apples are on the table.
One-third of the students are absent.

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F. Subjects with Modifiers


Modifiers like along with, together with, as well as, in addition to do not change the subject’s
number.

Examples:

1. The teacher, along with her students, is in the library. (Subject = teacher = singular.)

2. The players, as well as the coach, are on the field. (Subject = players = plural.)

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G. Inverted Sentences

In sentences where the verb comes before the subject, make sure the verb agrees with the
subject.

Examples:

1. Here is the book you wanted. (Subject = book = singular.)

2. There are many reasons to stay. (Subject = reasons = plural.)

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H. Gerunds and Infinitives as Subjects

When a gerund or infinitive acts as the subject, it is considered singular.

Examples:

1. Swimming is fun.

2. To travel alone requires courage.


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I. "None" and "No"

"None" can be singular or plural depending on the context.


Examples:

1. None of the water is left. (Water = uncountable = singular.)

2. None of the students are present. (Students = countable = plural.)

"No" follows the same rule.


Examples:

1. No money is available. (Money = uncountable = singular.)

2. No books are on the table. (Books = countable = plural.)

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J. Relative Pronouns

When a relative pronoun like who, which, or that is the subject of a clause, the verb agrees with
the noun it refers to.

Examples:

1. It is I who am responsible.

2. She is one of those people who enjoy hiking. ("People" is plural.)


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3. Common Mistakes

A. Mistaking Prepositional Phrases as Subjects

The subject is never part of a prepositional phrase.

Examples:

1. The basket of apples is on the table. (Subject = basket = singular.)

2. The group of students is waiting outside. (Subject = group = singular.)

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B. Failing to Identify Compound Subjects

1. The cat and the dog are playing together. (Compound subject = cat + dog = plural.)

2. Neither the teacher nor the students are ready. (Verb agrees with closest subject = students =
plural.)

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4. Practice Examples

Correct the Subject-Verb Agreement Errors:

1. The list of items are on the desk.

2. Either my brother or my sisters is coming.


3. The team are playing well.

4. One of the boys were late.

5. There is many reasons to leave.

Answers:

1. The list of items is on the desk.

2. Either my brother or my sisters are coming.

3. The team is playing well.

4. One of the boys was late.

5. There are many reasons to leave.

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Let me know if you'd like additional examples or exercises!

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