Explore 100+ subject verb agreement examples and practice sets to gain a comprehensive understanding of this vital grammar concept. Learn how to apply it effectively in your writing.
In this Subject-verb agreement Examples exploration, we’ll manage an in-depth analysis of What is a subject-verb agreement in Grammar, its rules, common errors, and examples with practice sets, to enhance your writing prowess and communicative skills.
The person or thing about which something is said in a sentence is called the subject of that sentence.
We can Identify the subject of a sentence by asking the verb with “Who?” or “What?”. In “The sun shines brightly,” “sun” is the subject.
A verb is a doing word. A verb in a sentence indicates what the subject of the sentence does.
The subject represents the main focus of the sentence, while the verb indicates the action or state of being related to the subject. Let’s delve into this with some examples:
Subject: John | Verb: runs
Example: John runs every morning.
Subject: Cats | Verb: are
Example: Cats are playful animals.
In the first example, “John” is the subject, and “runs” is the verb. The sentence conveys the action of John running.
In the second example, “Cats” is the subject, and “are” is the verb. The sentence describes the playful nature of cats.
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The Agreement with Subject-Verb refers to the grammatical conformity between a subject and its corresponding verb in a sentence.
In simpler terms, if the subject is singular, the verb must also be singular, and if the subject is plural, the verb should be plural as well. This agreement forms the backbone of clear and effective communication.
Correct: He plays an important role in the movie.
Incorrect: He play an important role in the movie.
This agreement ensures a sentence’s logical structure and coherence, preventing confusion and misinterpretation.
Without subject-verb agreement, sentences can become convoluted, leading to ambiguity and undermining effective communication.
Imagine a sentence like “The book seems interesting.” Now, replace “seems” with “seem.” Suddenly, the sentence becomes awkward. This is why the subject-verb agreement is vital: it ensures that sentences flow naturally and are easy to understand.
To enhance our understanding of subject-verb agreement, it’s beneficial to practice topics like
1. singular and plural subjects
2. Corresponding verbs
3. Collective nouns
4. Indefinite pronouns
5. distributive pronouns
6. Agreement across tenses.
Consistent practice with these concepts will lead to greater proficiency in maintaining grammatical accuracy in our communication
Here are some subject-verb agreement examples and practice sets to help you better understand and practice this concept:
The first step in mastering subject-verb agreement is identifying whether a subject is singular or plural. Singular subjects refer to one person, place, thing, or idea, while plural subjects involve multiple entities. For example, “Apple” is singular, while “Apples” is plural.
Singular Subjects with Singular Verbs when dealing with a singular subject, the verb must also be singular.
Examples:
The cat runs through the garden.
She writes eloquent poetry.
Plural Subjects with Plural Verbs When the subject is plural, the verb must be plural as well.
Examples:
The dogs bark loudly.
They study diligently for exams.
A singular subject calls for a singular verb, completing the grammatical duet.
Examples:
The cat jumps over the fence.”
However, when the subject is plural, the verb changes:
Examples:
The cats jump over the fence.
The rules regarding the person are as follows:
(i) The first person singular or plural takes a singular verb:
Examples:
I like this scenery.
We like this scenery.
(ii) The second person singular or plural takes a singular verb:
Examples:
You like this scenery.
(iii) The third person singular takes a singular verb:
Examples:
He likes this scenery.
She sings a song.
This is a cat.
It is a mistake.
Sanu plats well today.
(iv) The third person plural takes a plural verb:
Examples:
They like this scenery.
Mohit and Shruti see the moon.
Agreement with Compound Subjects When two or more singular subjects are connected by “and,” they require a plural verb.
Conversely, if the subjects are connected by “or,” the verb should agree with the subject closer to it.
Examples:
Jenny and Tom play tennis together.
Either the book or the magazines are on the table.
Collective Nouns Collective nouns, representing a group of people or things, can take either singular or plural verbs based on context. When the emphasis is on the group acting as a single entity, we use a singular verb. If the focus shifts to individual members of the group, a plural verb is appropriate.
Examples:
The team is preparing for the championship.
The team are debating their strategy.
Indefinite Pronouns Certain indefinite pronouns, like “everyone,” “nobody,” “everything,” and “nothing,” are always treated as singular subjects, thus taking singular verbs.
Examples:
Everyone has a unique perspective.
Nothing goes unnoticed by her keen eyes.
Distributive pronouns like “either”, “neither”, “each”, and “every” are always treated as singular subjects, thus taking singular verbs.
Examples:
Either of the girls is suitable for the job.
Neither of the two roads leads to my aunt’s house.
When expressions like as well as, together with, with, in addition to, along with, and besides, are used to join two singular subjects, the verb that is used is singular. However, if one subject is singular and the other is plural, the verb agrees with the first subject.
Examples:
Ronaldo, as well as Messi, is a brilliant player.
Rahul, besides Priya and Gauri, is invited to the party.
The bag, with all its contents, was washed away in the sea.
The general manager, together with her sales team, was given an award.
A verb must agree with its Subject in Number and Person. Sometimes, the verb agrees with its number with a noun near it instead of with its proper subject. This we call an Error of Proximity and we should avoid this.
Examples:
The cost of luxury goods has gone up.
The quality of the mangoes is not good.
The presence of so many men is encouraging.
Nouns relating to weight, measure, amount, and time/distance or the collective number take singular verbs.
Examples:
Five years is a pretty long time.
Ten kilos of milk was consumed in just one day.
A hundred rupees is not a big amount for him.
Only one-fourth of the total police force was deployed in the area.
In sentences starting with ‘there is’ or ‘there are’, the subject takes its place after the verb, while the verb aligns with the true subject for agreement.
Examples:
There are ten musicians in the school band.
There is no teacher in the staffroom.
When portraying wishes or conflicting realities, the term ‘were’ substitutes for ‘was’ in statements in the subjunctive mood.
Examples:
I wish I were a bird.
If I were there, I would have managed this.
While the rules of subject-verb agreement provide a strong foundation, certain cases can be tricky due to exceptions or misleading structures. Let’s explore some subject-verb agreement exceptions with advanced rules
Indefinite pronouns like “everyone,” “someone,” and “nobody” can pose challenges. Although they might sound plural, they are singular and require singular verbs.
Examples:
Everyone wants to succeed.
Nobody is mortal in this world.
A collective noun may take a singular or plural verb and the general rule is to usethe singular verb when the idea is suggested and the plural verb the idea of plurality is predominant.
Examples:
The committee are not unanimous in their decision.
The committee has issued its reports.
When subjects are connected by “and,” they create a compound subject. If they convey a single idea, use a singular verb. If separate ideas, opt for a plural verb.
Examples:
“Bread and butter are healthy for me”
“Bread and butter is my favorite food.”
Phrases like “along with,” “as well as,” “including”, and ” together with” can intervene between subjects and verbs. The key is to focus on the subject closest to the verb to determine agreement.
Examples:
The book, along with the pens, is on the desk.
The players as well as the captain have made the effort.
When the Phrases, and clauses, are the subjects, the verb is in the third person singular number.
Examples:
The writing of letters well is not easy.
That he is ill is known to all.
When subjects are linked by “or” or “nor,” the verb agrees with the subject closest to it. “Neither the cat nor the dogs are causing trouble.”
Examples:
Either Preeti or Sausamya is at home.
Either Preeti or the children are at home.
Neither the manager nor his assistant is present at the meeting.
Neither he nor his friends were going to the party.
Titles, periods of time, and sums of money often trick us into choosing the wrong verb. However, they are singular and require singular verbs:
Examples:
Ten dollars is missing.
Twenty shillings makes one pound.
Three miles is a long distance.
The subject-verb agreement depends on whether we consider the number or amount is singular or plural.
Examples:
Fifty percent of the cake is gone. (Singular)
Ten percent of the students are absent. (Plural)
Three-fourths of the work is done.[work – amount; is – singular verb]
Three-fourths of the men are dead.[men – a number; are – plural verb]
Nouns singular in form take plural Verbs
Aristocracy, Nobility, Gentry, clergy, cattle, poultry, people, folk, etc. take plural verbs.
Examples:
Cattle are grazing in the field.
Who are those people?
The old folk are gone.
Nouns plural in form take singular verbs.
Gallows, mathematics, news, physics, politics, smallpox, whereabouts, linguistics, mumps, etc. take singular verbs.
Examples:
The news is true.
His whereabouts is not known.
Politics is my favorite subject.
Nouns that have no plural forms
Alphabet, expenditure, furniture, hair, information, luggage, scenery, poetry, etc take singular verbs.
Examples:
The alphabet is written on the blackboard.
The scenery of Simla is beautiful.
Indefinite pronouns like anyone everyone, someone, no one, nobody takes singular verbs.
Examples:
Everyone in the class is going for a picnic.
Someone is missing from the room.
No one has the ability to do it.
When subjects unite with “and,” forming a compound subject, a singular or plural verb choice hinges on whether they represent one or distinct notions, respectively.
The indefinite pronouns any, all, none, and some are used both in the singular and plural.
Examples:
Any of them was not present (singular).
Do any of you like it? (plural)
All is not beautiful (singular).
All of them are not honest. (plural)
None of the boys was good (singular).
None of us love him. (Plural)
Some of this sugar is bad (singular).
Some of the mangoes were rotten. (plural)
Two or more singular subjects joined by and, take plural verb.
Examples:
Ram and Shyam are two friends.
She and her father have gone there.
But two or more singular subjects joined by ‘and’ express the same person or thing or a single idea, take singular verbs.
Examples:
The secretary and treasurer has come. (same person)
A hue and cry was raised. (single idea)
Two singular subjects joined by ‘or’, ‘either…or’, ‘neither…nor’ take singular verbs.
Examples:
Either the pink dress or the white gown is best.
Neither the brother nor the sister wants to do the work.
Anil or Suman is hosting the event.
Two singular subjects of different numbers and persons joined by ‘or’, ‘either…or’, ‘neither…nor’ the verb agrees with the subject closest to it.
Examples:
“Neither the chocolates nor the salad tempts her.”
“Neither the salad nor the chocolates tempt her.”
When a collective noun refers to one individual whole, the verb is singular and denotes the individual of the group. But when a collective noun refers to the individual of the group, the verb is in plural.
Examples:
The committee has approved the decision
The committee were divided in their opinions.
Your family is bigger than mine.
Your family are assigned to different rooms.
Care should be taken about the use of the number in sentences beginning with introductory ‘there’, and ‘here’.
Examples:
“Here is the bag you want to borrow.”
“There are four books I love to read.”
When the subject of a sentence consists of two nouns or pronouns that are joined by ‘As well as’, ‘together with’, ‘with’, along with’, the verb agrees with the first Noun/Pronoun.
Examples:
The captain as well as his crew members was polite.
The students along with their teacher have visited the spot.
I as well as Sushama am going for a picnic.
To ensure proper agreement, consistently employ a singular verb form when discussing sums of money, time durations, or unit distances, and when a number directly follows the main noun.
Examples:
Two thousand dollars is needed for her operation.
The first two miles are easier than the last two miles.
When terms like ‘some,’ ‘all,’ or ‘a lot’ are employed to indicate portions, the subject often seems to be within a prepositional phrase including the term ‘of’.
Examples:
“A lot of the cake has been given out.”
“A lot of the cakes have been given out.”
“Some of the room is occupied.”
“Some of the rooms are occupied.”
Here are some subject-verb agreement examples and practice sets to help you better understand and practice this concept:
1. They ________ (study/studies) diligently for exams.
2. The cat ________ (jumps/jump) over the fence
3. Cattle ________ (is/are) grazing in the field.
4. His whereabouts ________ (are/is) not known.
5. The scenery of Simla________ (are/is) beautiful.
1. The headmaster and secretary (have/has) decided to hold a meeting in his room.
2. Author and publisher, Mr. Desai, (are/is) in town to inaugurate the Book Fair.
3. Either Preeti or the children (is/are) at home.
4. Each girl and each boy (was /were) given a mango.
5. No man and no woman (has/have) been found there.
1. The cat and the dog (play/plays) together in the yard.
2. She, along with her friends, (go/goes) to the movies on weekends.
3. Either the book or the magazines (is/are) on the table.
4. The team of scientists (is/are) conducting important research.
5. Everyone in the class (has/have) submitted their assignments.
1. The group of singers are/is performing on stage.
2. Neither the cake nor the cookies is/are delicious.
3. Everyone at the party have/has brought their favorite dishes.
4. The committee members is/are meeting tomorrow.
5. Each of the students have/has passed the exam.
1. The movie, along with the trailers, _______________ (start/starts) at 7 PM.
2. Both the cat and the dog _______________ (is/are) friendly.
3. Neither the students nor the teacher _______________ (want/wants) to miss the field trip.
4. The box of chocolates _______________ (was/were) a thoughtful gift.
5. Many of the employees _______________ (has/have) received awards for their hard work.
1. A group of tourists is/are exploring the ancient ruins.
2. Either the red or the blue car are/is available for rent.
3. The committee members are/is discussing the new proposal.
4. One of the books have/has gone missing from the library.
5. The herd of cows is/are grazing peacefully in the field.
1. The sun shines/shine brightly in the morning.
2. The birds sing/sings melodiously in the trees.
3. The car and the bicycle are/is parked in the garage.
4. The students study/studies diligently for their exams.
5. The flowers in the garden bloom/blooms beautifully in the spring.
6. The musicians in the orchestra play/plays harmoniously together.
1. The concert, along with the fireworks, _______________ (start/starts) at 9 PM.
2. Both my brother and I _______________ (is/are) excited for the trip.
3. Neither the manager nor the employees _______________ (agree/agrees) with the new policy.
4. The collection of stamps _______________ (was/were) displayed at the museum.
5. Many of the students _______________ (has/have) received scholarships for their achievements.
1. A group of musicians are/is performing on stage.
2. Either the red or the green apples are/is ripe.
3. The jury members is/are reaching a verdict.
4. One of the books have/has fallen off the shelf.
5. The flock of birds is/are migrating south for the winter.
1. The team, along with their coach, _______________ (celebrate/celebrates) the victory.
2. Both the cat and the dog _______________ (sleeps/sleep) in the same bed.
3. Neither the book nor the movie _______________ (interest/interests) me.
4. The bundle of keys _______________ (was/were) found on the kitchen counter.
5. Many of the students _______________ (participate/participates) in the school play.
1. A group of athletes is/are competing in the tournament.
2. Either the red or the blue dress are/is suitable for the occasion.
3. The committee members was/were reviewing the proposal.
4. One of the books have/has been borrowed from the library.
5. The swarm of bees is/are buzzing around the garden.
1. The band, along with their manager, _______________ (perform/performs) at the festival.
2. Both the book and the magazine _______________ (has/have) interesting articles.
3. Neither the students nor the teacher _______________ (understand/understands) the complex equation.
4. The group of friends _______________ (enjoy/enjoys) hiking in the mountains.
5. Many of the employees _______________ (work/works) remotely.
1. A team of scientists was/were conducting experiments.
2. Either the red or the green oranges is/are delicious.
3. The jury members were/was deliberating the verdict.
4. One of the candidates have/has been selected for the job.
5. The flock of birds is/are migrating north for the summer.
1. The choir, along with the conductor, _______________ (sing/sings) beautifully.
2. Both the car and the bicycle _______________ (is/are) in the garage.
3. Neither the cake nor the cookies _______________ (tastes/taste) good.
4. The collection of rare coins _______________ (belong/belongs) to my grandfather.
5. Many of the students _______________ (excel/excels) in mathematics.
1. A group of actors is/are rehearsing for the play.
2. Either the red or the blue shoes are/is suitable for the occasion.
3. The committee members was/were discussing the proposal.
4. One of the pens have/has run out of ink.
5. The pack of wolves is/are hunting for food.
1. The orchestra, along with the conductor, _______________ (performs/perform) classical symphonies.
2. Both the laptop and the tablet _______________ (is/are) on the desk.
3. Neither the apples nor the oranges _______________ (tastes/taste) sour.
4. The stack of books _______________ (belongs/belong) to the library.
5. Many of the students _______________ (participate/participates) in the science fair.
1. A group of artists were/was showcasing their paintings.
2. Either the red or the yellow tulip is/are blooming in the garden.
3. The jury members were/was reviewing the evidence.
4. One of the keys have/has gone missing.
5. The herd of elephants is/are crossing the savannah.
1. The choir, along with their conductor, _______________ (sings/sing) beautifully.
2. Both the computer and the printer _______________ (is/are) in the office.
3. Neither the cake nor the cookies _______________ (taste/tastes) good.
4. The collection of vintage cars _______________ (belong/belongs) to the museum.
5. Many of the team members _______________ (excel/excels) in sports.
1. A group of students was/were attending the lecture.
2. Either the red or the green mangoes is/are ripe.
3. The committee members are/is reviewing the proposals.
4. One of the books have/has been misplaced.
5. The pack of wolves is/are hunting for food.
1. The team, along with their coach, _______________ (celebrate/celebrates) the victory.
2. Both the cat and the dog _______________ (sleep/sleeps) soundly at night.
3. Neither the book nor the magazine _______________ (interest/interests) me.
4. The group of friends _______________ (enjoy/enjoys) spending time together.
5. Many of the employees _______________ (work/works) remotely.
1. A herd of cattle were/was grazing in the field.
2. Either the red or the blue dress is/are available in your size.
3. The committee members was/were discussing the new proposal.
4. One of the keys have/has been misplaced.
5. The flock of birds is/are migrating to warmer climates.
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A: Absolutely. Proper agreement enhances sentence clarity and overall communication effectiveness.
A: Collective nouns are singular and require singular verbs, even though they refer to groups of individuals.
A: While some situations might seem tricky, the rule remains steadfast. The golden rule of subject-verb agreement: singular subjects harmonize with singular verbs, while plural subjects dance with plural verbs.
A: Engage in grammar exercises, proofread your work, and read extensively to reinforce your understanding and application of subject-verb agreement.
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