Subject-Verb Agreement

Subject-Verb Agreement refers to the grammatical rule that the verb in a sentence must match its subject in number (singular/plural) and person (first/second/third). This ensures sentences are grammatically correct and logically consistent.

General Rules of Subject-Verb Agreement

  1. Singular Subject → Singular Verb
    Example: The boy runs fast.

  2. Plural Subject → Plural Verb
    Example: The boys run fast.

  3. Two Subjects joined by ‘and’ → Plural Verb
    Example: Ram and Shyam are friends.

  4. Two Subjects joined by ‘and’ but referring to one entity → Singular Verb
    Example: Bread and butter is my favorite breakfast.

  5. Subjects joined by ‘or/nor/either…or/neither…nor’ → Verb agrees with the subject nearest to it
    Example: Either the teacher or the students are responsible.
    Example: Neither the students nor the teacher is present.

  6. Indefinite Pronouns (each, everyone, someone, nobody, etc.) → Singular Verb
    Example: Everyone is invited.

  7. Collective Nouns → Singular or Plural Verb depending on meaning

    • Singular (as a unit): The team is winning.
    • Plural (members individually): The team are wearing different uniforms.

  8. Plural form, Singular meaning → Singular Verb
    Example: Mathematics is difficult.
    Example: News is interesting.

  9. Amounts/Measurements → Singular Verb
    Example: Five kilometers is a long walk.

  10. Titles of books/movies → Singular Verb
    Example: “Gulliver’s Travels” is a famous book.

Common Mistakes

  • Mistaking plural forms for plural subjects: Words like physics, economics are singular in sense.
  • Getting confused with “and” combinations: If they form one idea, use singular.
  • Ignoring proximity rule with or/nor: Always check the nearest subject.
  • Not distinguishing collective use: Treat as singular or plural based on meaning.

Examples

Example 1 — Simple Rule

The girl sings well. (singular subject + singular verb)

Example 2 — Compound Subject

The teacher and the student are working together. (plural subject + plural verb)

Example 3 — Either/Or Rule

Either Ravi or his friends are coming.
Either the students or the teacher is late.

Example 4 — Collective Noun

The jury has given its verdict. (acting as one unit)
The jury are divided in their opinions. (acting individually)

PRACTICE QUESTIONS
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