What is subject–verb agreement? Grammar Toolkit

A verb must “agree” with its subject. This means they must have matching number (singular or plural) and person (1st, 2nd or 3rd person). Theyis waiting The subject is plural and in the third person (talking about someone or something), so the verb must also be plural and in the third person. am waiting are waiting

Grammar Toolkit It’s usually easy to make subjects and verbs agree, but the verb to be can be tricky. Complete the table so that the verbs agree with their subjects. singularplural present tensepast tensepresent tensepast tense first personI amIwe arewe second personyou areyou third personhe/she/it/ they was were wasis are were

Grammar Toolkit A verb should agree with its subject, not with a word that comes between them. A box of my favourite chocolates disappear quickly. disappears The subject is the singular box, not chocolates, so the verb must be singular. Some subjects sound plural but are singular. Politics are a messy business. is Everybody who wanted to go were given a ticket. was Treat most indefinite pronouns as singular subjects.

Grammar Toolkit Singular subjects joined by and need a plural verb. Saba and Rana are great friends. But if the subject begins with each or every, use a singular verb. Every player, coach and official is expected to attend.

Grammar Toolkit Singular subjects joined by or, either … or or neither … nor need a singular verb. Saba or Rana has the answer. But if one of the subjects is plural, use a plural verb. Either the teacher or her students have left the door open. When the subject is a collective noun, treat it as singular unless its meaning is obviously plural. The crowd is restless. The crowd are arguing among themselves.

Grammar Toolkit Choose verbs to agree with their subjects. The cows in the bottom paddock need/needs to be milked. Navin, as well as the other musicians, has/have a great technique. Everyone is/are welcome to come. On top of the hill is/are an old tree and a stockyard. Neither Ace nor Basco deliver/delivers on weekends. Each of the latest winners receives/receive a medal. Daniel’s family love/loves to play pranks.

Grammar Toolkit A verb must “agree” with its subject. This means they must have matching number (singular or plural) and person (1st, 2nd or 3rd person). Singular subjects joined by and need a plural verb. Singular subjects joined by or, either … or or neither … nor need a singular verb. When the subject is a collective noun, treat it as singular unless its meaning is obviously plural. Treat most indefinite pronouns as singular subjects.

Grammar Toolkit