20 Rules Subject Verb Agreement Many Examples

Subject-verb agreement is one of the most fundamental rules of grammar. It is the rule that governs the agreement between a subject and its corresponding verb in a sentence. Essentially, it ensures that the subject and the verb in a sentence are grammatically aligned, which in turn facilitates clear communication. But with so many exceptions and nuances, it can be difficult to master English subject-verb agreement. In this article, we will outline 20 rules of subject-verb agreement, with many examples to help you become a pro.

1. Singular subjects take singular verbs

For example:

– The dog chases cats. (singular subject „dog” takes singular verb „chases”)

– She reads books. (singular subject „she” takes singular verb „reads”)

2. Plural subjects take plural verbs

For example:

– The dogs chase cats. (plural subject „dogs” takes plural verb „chase”)

– They read books. (plural subject „they” takes plural verb „read”)

3. Compound subjects take plural verbs

A compound subject is a subject that comprises two or more individual subjects. In such cases, a plural verb should be used.

For example:

– John and Mary are students. (compound subject „John and Mary” takes plural verb „are”)

– The dog and the cat are sleeping. (compound subject „the dog and the cat” takes plural verb „are”)

4. Indefinite pronouns take singular verbs

Indefinite pronouns are pronouns that don`t refer to any specific person or thing. Some examples include anybody, somebody, nobody, and everyone. In such cases, a singular verb should be used.

For example:

– Somebody is knocking at the door. (indefinite pronoun „somebody” takes singular verb „is”)

5. Nouns used as collective nouns can take singular or plural verbs

Collective nouns refer to a group of individuals who are considered as a single unit. Examples of collective nouns include team, family, and herd. In such cases, either a singular or a plural verb can be used, depending on the context.

For example:

– The team is playing well. (collective noun „team” takes singular verb „is”)

– The team are all wearing their new uniforms. (collective noun „team” takes plural verb „are”)

6. Titles of books, movies, etc. take singular verbs

Titles of books, movies, and other works are considered as singular nouns, so they take singular verbs.

For example:

– The Great Gatsby is a novel written by F. Scott Fitzgerald. (title „The Great Gatsby” takes singular verb „is”)

7. Time and distance measurements are singular

Time and distance measurements, such as „two hours” or „five miles,” are considered singular, so they take singular verbs.

For example:

– Two hours is not enough time to finish this task. (time measurement „two hours” takes singular verb „is”)

8. Collective nouns can take a singular or plural noun depending on the context

Collective nouns such as „team,” „family,” and „group” can take a singular or plural verb depending on whether the group is acting as a unit or as individuals.

For example:

– The family is going to the beach. (the family is acting as a unit)

– The family are arguing over what to pack. (the family members are acting as individuals)

9. Prepositional phrases do not affect subject-verb agreement

Prepositional phrases, such as „with the dog” or „by the fence,” do not affect the agreement between the subject and the verb in a sentence.

For example:

– The dog with the wagging tail is mine. (singular subject „dog” takes singular verb „is”)

10. Adverbs do not affect subject-verb agreement

Adverbs, such as „quickly” or „often,” do not affect the agreement between the subject and the verb in a sentence.

For example:

– He often walks to work. (singular subject „he” takes singular verb „walks”)

11. Linking verbs take predicate nominatives

A linking verb is a verb that connects the subject of a sentence with a word that describes or identifies it. In such cases, the linking verb takes a predicate nominative, which is a noun that renames or identifies the subject.

For example:

– My favorite color is blue. (linking verb „is” takes predicate nominative „blue”)

12. Collective nouns take singular verbs when considered as a whole

When a collective noun is considered as a whole, it takes a singular verb.

For example:

– The herd of cattle is grazing in the field. (collective noun „herd” takes singular verb „is”)

13. Collective nouns take plural verbs when considered as individuals

When a collective noun is considered as individuals, it takes a plural verb.

For example:

– The jury are unable to reach a verdict. (collective noun „jury” takes plural verb „are”)

14. Singular indefinite pronouns take singular verbs

Singular indefinite pronouns, such as „everyone” or „no one,” take singular verbs.

For example:

– Everybody knows that the earth is round. (singular indefinite pronoun „everybody” takes singular verb „knows”)

15. Pronouns that are halfway between singular and plural take plural verbs

Pronouns that are halfway between singular and plural, such as „both” or „few,” take plural verbs.

For example:

– Few people understand quantum physics. (pronoun „few” takes plural verb „understand”)

16. Subjects that express amounts, proportions, or percentages take singular verbs

When a subject expresses an amount, proportion, or percentage, it takes a singular verb.

For example:

– Ten percent of the population is left-handed. (subject „ten percent” takes singular verb „is”)

17. If the subject is a title, use singular verbs

When the subject is a title of a book, movie, or work of art, use singular verbs.

For example:

– The Godfather is a classic film directed by Francis Ford Coppola. (title „The Godfather” takes singular verb „is”)

18. When in doubt, go with the noun closest to the verb

When there are multiple nouns in a sentence, go with the one closest to the verb to determine whether it should be singular or plural.

For example:

– The dog and the cat are sleeping on the couch. (plural verb „are” because the nearest noun, „cat,” is plural)

19. Use a singular verb with an infinitive

When an infinitive phrase is the subject of a sentence, use a singular verb.

For example:

– To be or not to be is the question. (infinitive phrase „to be or not to be” takes singular verb „is”)

20. The verb should agree with the subject, not the complement

When the complement of a sentence is a noun phrase, the verb should still agree with the subject, not the complement.

For example:

– The winner of the contest is John. (singular subject „winner” takes singular verb „is”)

In conclusion, subject-verb agreement is an essential aspect of English grammar that can make or break the clarity of your writing. By following these 20 rules and considering the many examples we provided, you can master this fundamental rule and communicate more effectively.