Subject Verb Agreement Rules with Examples

Subject-verb agreement is an integral part of the sentence structure in the English language. Speaking, it is the agreement between the subject and verb to form a perfect pair that makes sentences clear and accurate. The basic idea is to match them according to numbers.

While describing a situation, expressing a feeling, communicating ideas, or making queries, we use subject-verb agreement all the time, even unknowingly. A thorough understanding of subject-verb agreement rules is essential to make verbal and written communication smooth and grammatically correct.

What is the Subject Verb Agreement?

Subject-verb agreement is a grammatical rule stating that the subject and verb in a sentence must match. The verb changes its form according to the number and person as stated in the subject. In most cases, verbs change depending on whether the subject is singular or plural.

For example,

The cat plays with the ball. In this sentence, the verb uses the singular form as the subject cat indicates a singular person.

The cats play with the ball. The verb play uses the plural form as the subject in this sentence (cats), indicating the plural form.

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Subject Verb Agreement Rules with Examples

The rules of subject-verb agreement indicate how verbs change their form to agree with their subjects in different conditions. Let's discuss the subject-verb agreement rules with subject-verb examples and answers to understand how these rules are applied for writing sentences accurately.

Rule 1

The basic rule states that a singular verb should be used with a singular noun or pronoun, and the plural form of the verb is used with a plural noun or pronoun.

Example:

She likes pearl jewelry. (singular verb likes for singular subject She)

Riya and Raj dance together. (Plural verb dance for more than one subject)

Rule 2

In case of using the 'be' verb, there are some specific rules on how the verb is to be used according to the person and number of the subject. The table below provides the different verb forms for the 'be' verb.

Rule 3

The words, everyone, everybody, anybody, anyone, nobody, somebody," and "someone use a singular verb.

For example,

Everyone is waiting for the result.

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Rule 4

Nouns such as news, scissors, trousers, etc., use plural verbs.

For example,

These scissors are not working.

Rule 5

Collective nouns indicate more than one person but are considered singular and take a singular verb.

For example,

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The team practices every day at 4 pm.

Rule 6

The verbs 'has' and 'have' are used as singular and plural verbs, respectively, in a specific way according to the person and their numbers, as highlighted in the table below.

Rule 7

While expressing a negative sense, the ‘do’ verb must match the singular or plural subject.

For example,

They don’t live in this locality anymore.

She doesn’t like spicy food.

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Rule 8

Questions that include ‘do’ or ‘be’ verbs also must match the subject.

For example,

Do you know this address?

Is Anil preparing for the competitive exams?

Rule 9

A singular verb is used when a sentence includes two or more nouns connected by ‘either-or’ or ‘neither-nor’.

For example,

Neither the police nor the rescue team has arrived at the accident spot.

Rule 10

Sometimes, the sentence begins with ‘Here’, ‘There’, ‘This’, ‘These’, etc., followed by the verb and the subject. In such cases, the verb should match the subject that comes after it.

For example,

This book belongs to Sumit.

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Rule 11

Abstract nouns (e.g., time, life, love, honesty) are often used as subjects. These nouns are paired with a verb that is always singular.

For example,

Life never stops teaching

Honesty is the best policy

Rule 12

When we express a wish or desire, the verb is used differently from the above rules.

For example,

I wish I were a bird.

This article covers the basics of subject-verb agreement with simple rules and examples that improve clarity and accuracy in writing. Help your child explore important grammar concepts through fun and interactive learning with CuriousJr online english classes for kids. Book a demo today.