Subject-Verb Agreement Rules Quiz

Study Notes

Subject-Verb Agreement: A Comprehensive Guide

Subject-verb agreement is a fundamental rule in grammar that states that the subject of a sentence must always match the verb described its action. This principle helps readers understand who or what is performing the action in a sentence, making the writing easier to follow. In this article, we will explore the different types of subjects and verbs, as well as the exceptions to these rules.

Singular Subjects and Verbs

When the subject of a sentence is singular, the verb must also be singular. Here are some examples:

She writes every day.
He reads a book on his free time.
The dog barks when someone knocks at the door.

Plural Subjects and Verbs

When the subject of a sentence is plural, the verb must also be plural. Here are some examples:

They write every day.
You and your friends attend the concert together.
The teachers in the staff room discuss the new curriculum.

Subjects Connected by "or" or "nor"

When two or more singular nouns or pronouns are connected by "or" or "nor," use a singular verb. For example:

The chairperson or the CEO approves the proposal.

Collective Nouns

Collective nouns are words that imply more than one person but are considered singular and take a singular verb. For example:

The committee consists of five members.

However, with a collective noun, you can also use a plural verb if you want to emphasize the individual members of the group. For example:

The committee members write every day.

Time and Amount Nouns

Subjects that express time or amount also take a singular verb. For example:

Forty thousand is an average starting salary for a computer science graduate.

Titles and Country Names

Titles and names of countries take the singular form of the verb. For example:

The Netherlands is a European country that borders Belgium.

Compound Subjects

Sometimes, two or more subjects are linked to one verb, forming a compound subject. When subjects are linked with "and," use a plural verb. For example:

A bicycle and a pedestrian were involved in the accident.

However, when the two nouns don't refer to separate things but to a single entity, use a singular verb. For example:

The new bed and breakfast opens this week.

Exceptions

There are some exceptions to these rules, such as when using the singular "they." In such cases, use plural verb forms. For example:

The participant expressed satisfaction with their job.

Understanding and applying these rules can help you improve your writing and ensure that your sentences are clear and concise. By ensuring that the subject and verb agree in number, you prevent confusion for the reader and make your sentences grammatically correct.