Subject-verb agreement is a fundamental grammar rule: a singular subject takes a singular verb, and a plural subject takes a plural verb. It sounds simple, but it's a common stumbling block for many writers. Getting it right makes your writing sound polished and professional.
The Basics
At its core, this rule is about matching the number of the subject to the number of the verb.
- Singular Subject, Singular Verb:
The dog barks. (Dog is singular, barks is singular) She studies hard. (She is singular, studies is singular) A car needs gas.* (Car is singular, needs is singular)
- Plural Subject, Plural Verb:
The dogs bark. (Dogs is plural, bark is plural) They study hard. (They is plural, study is plural) Cars need gas.* (Cars is plural, need is plural)
Compound Subjects
When two or more subjects are joined by "and," they usually form a plural subject and take a plural verb.
- John and Mary are going to the party. (John and Mary = plural, are going = plural)
- The book and the pen belong on the desk. (Book and pen = plural, belong = plural)
However, if the compound subject refers to a single idea or person, it takes a singular verb.
- Peanut butter and jelly is my favorite sandwich. (Peanut butter and jelly = one sandwich, is = singular)
- The novelist and poet is giving a talk. (If it's the same person, "is" is correct. If they are two different people, it would be "The novelist and the poet are giving a talk.")
Subjects Joined by "Or" or "Nor"
When subjects are joined by "or" or "nor," the verb agrees with the subject that is closer to it.
- Either the cat or the dogs are making that noise. (Dogs is closer and plural, so "are" is used.)
- Neither the students nor the teacher knows the answer. (Teacher is closer and singular, so "knows" is used.)
- My brother or my sisters have to drive. (Sisters is closer and plural, so "have" is used.)
Indefinite Pronouns
Indefinite pronouns can be tricky. Some are always singular, some are always plural, and some can be either depending on the context.
Always Singular:
- Each, either, neither, one, everyone, everybody, everyone, everything, no one, nobody, nothing, someone, somebody, something.
Everyone is invited. Nobody knows the trouble I've seen. Something smells good.*
Always Plural:
- Both, few, many, several.
Both are correct. Few understand. Many believe the story. Several have complained.
Singular or Plural (depends on context):
- All, any, most, none, some. These take a singular verb if they refer to something singular, and a plural verb if they refer to something plural.
Some of the cake is left. (Cake is singular) Some of the cookies are gone. (Cookies is plural) All of the information is helpful. (Information is uncountable/singular) All of the students are here. (Students is plural)
Phrases Between Subject and Verb
Watch out for phrases that come between the subject and the verb. They can distract you from identifying the true subject.
- The box of chocolates is on the table. (The subject is "box," not "chocolates.")
- My friend, who lives across town, is coming over. (The subject is "friend," not "town.")
- The members of the committee are ready. (The subject is "members," not "committee.")
Collective Nouns
Collective nouns are words that refer to a group of people or things. They can be treated as singular or plural depending on whether you're emphasizing the group as a single unit or as individuals.
- Singular: When the group acts as one.
The team is practicing. (The team as a unit.) The jury has reached a verdict. (The jury as a single body.)
- Plural: When the members of the group act individually.
The team are arguing about the strategy. (Individual members are arguing.) The committee were unable to agree. (Individual members couldn't agree.)
In American English, it's more common to treat collective nouns as singular unless the context clearly demands otherwise.
Sentences Starting with "There" or "Here"
In sentences beginning with "there" or "here," the subject follows the verb. You still need to match the verb to the subject.
- There is a book on the shelf. (Subject is "book" - singular)
- There are books on the shelf. (Subject is "books" - plural)
- Here is the information you requested. (Subject is "information" - singular)
- Here are the tickets. (Subject is "tickets" - plural)
"Who," "Which," and "That"
When these relative pronouns act as subjects, the verb agrees with the antecedent (the noun or pronoun they refer to).
- She is one of the students who are always on time. (Who refers to students, which is plural.)
- He is the only one of the employees who has completed the training. (Who refers to one, which is singular.)
- This is the book that belongs to me. (That refers to book, which is singular.)
Titles of Books, Movies, and Organizations
Titles of creative works, organizations, or even diseases are usually treated as singular, even if they end in "s."
- The Adventures of Tom Sawyer is a classic novel.
- The United Nations works for peace.
- Measles is contagious.
When in Doubt
When you're unsure about subject-verb agreement, especially with complex sentences or unusual structures, take a moment to identify the true subject. Isolating it from modifying phrases and then checking its number can save you from errors. If you consistently struggle with these rules, professional editing services can help ensure your writing is polished and error-free. EssayGazebo.com offers expert assistance to make your work shine.
Practice Makes Perfect
Mastering subject-verb agreement takes practice. Read your work aloud, and pay close attention to how subjects and verbs pair up. With conscious effort and these guidelines, your writing will become clearer and more grammatically sound.