Grammar Essentials – Subject-Verb Agreement

Subject-Verb Agreement is one of the most important foundations of English grammar, ensuring that the subject of a sentence and its verb match correctly in number and form. Whether writing for academics, professional communication, or competitive exams, understanding this rule helps create clear, correct, and meaningful sentences. Mastering Subject-Verb Agreement not only reduces common grammatical errors but also strengthens overall writing accuracy.

Grammar Essentials- Subject-Verb Agreement

Subject-Verb Agreement is one of the most fundamental concepts in English grammar. It ensures that the subject (the person or thing performing the action) and the verb (the action or state of being) match correctly in number and form. Without proper agreement, sentences sound incorrect and lose clarity. Whether you are preparing for competitive exams, writing professionally, or improving your communication skills, mastering subject-verb agreement is essential for accuracy and fluency.

What Is Subject-Verb Agreement?

Subject-Verb Agreement means that the verb must agree with the subject in number:

• Singular subject to  singular verb

• Plural subject  to plural verb

Example:

• She writes every day. (singular)

• They write every day. (plural)

Key Rules of Subject-Verb Agreement

Subject–verb agreement is a fundamental rule of grammar that ensures the subject and verb in a sentence match correctly in number and form. Mastering these rules helps improve sentence clarity, accuracy, and overall writing quality.

Whether the subject is singular, plural, compound, or joined by specific connectors, selecting the right verb form is essential for proper sentence construction. Below is a clear and structured guide to the key rules of subject–verb agreement, along with examples and common mistakes to avoid.

1. Singular subjects take singular verbs

Examples:

• The boy plays outside.

• A dog barks loudly.

2. Plural subjects take plural verbs

Examples:

• The boys play outside.

• Dogs bark loudly.

3. When two subjects are joined by ‘and’, the verb is plural

Examples:

• Riya and Meera are friends.

• The pen and the pencil are on the table.

Exception: When two things form a single idea.

• Bread and butter is my breakfast.

• Fish and chips is a popular dish.

4. When subjects are joined by ‘or’ or ‘nor’, the verb agrees with the nearest subject

Examples:

• Either the teacher or the students are attending the workshop.

• Neither the students nor the teacher is present.

5. Indefinite pronouns usually take singular verbs

Words like each, everyone, everybody, someone, anyone, everything → Singular verbs.
Examples:

• Everyone is welcome.

• Each of the players has a jersey.

But: Few, many, several to Plural verbs.

• Several were absent.

• Many have applied.

6. Collective nouns can be singular or plural

Depends on whether the group acts as a unit or individually.

• The team is winning. (acting as one unit)

• The team are arguing among themselves. (individual action)

7. Words connected with ‘with’, ‘along with’, ‘as well as’ do NOT affect the verb

The verb matches the main subject.
Examples:

• The teacher, along with the students, is present.

• Reena, as well as her friends, enjoys dancing.

8. Measurements, amounts, and periods of time usually take singular verbs

Examples:

• Five hundred rupees is too much.

• Ten kilometers is a long distance.

• Three hours is enough.

9. Titles of books, movies, or organizations take singular verbs

Examples:

• “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire” is a famous book.

• The United Nations is meeting today.

10. “There is/There are” – verb depends on the noun that follows

Examples:

• There is a cat in the room.

• There are two cats in the room.

Common Errors to Avoid

The list of items are on the table.
The list of items is on the table.

Everyone have completed the work.
Everyone has completed the work.

Neither of the boys are present.
Neither of the boys is present.

The group are playing well. (incorrect unless stressing individual actions)
The group is playing well.