1. Agreement-Simple Problems
Writing Lab
Agreement-Simple Problems

2. Why it matters
Verbs agree with their subjects in number (singular or plural).
Problems arise when writers do not understand the difference between singular verb forms and plural verb forms, or between singular nouns and plural nouns.

3. Singular Verb Forms End in “s”
Should be used with only singular subjects
Singular subjects can be substituted with he, she, or it
Examples of singular verb forms: is, has, shows

4. Plural Verb Forms Do not end in “s”
Should be used with only plural subjects
Plural subjects can be substituted with the plural pronoun they
Examples of plural verb forms: are, have, show

5. Verbs with He, She, or It
Add an –s or –es to the verb when you’re writing about a he, she, or it.
Incorrect: A politician need to be honest to get elected.
Correct: A politician (he) needs to be honest to get elected.

6. Verbs with They
Do not add an -s or -es to the verb when you are writing about a they (any group of two or more).
Incorrect: These complicated instructions really confuses me.
Correct: These complicated instructions (they) really confuse me.

7. Further Examples of Agreement
Incorrect: There are a number of ethnic stereotypes that causes discrimination.
Correct: There are a number of ethnic stereotypes that cause discrimination.
Incorrect: Much of the support that Mike has come from his classmates.
Correct: Much of the support that Mike has comes from his classmates.

8. Identify Nouns as Singular or Plural
Incorrect: As a woman, I am concerned about heart disease and breast cancer being the primary killer of American women.
Correct: As a woman, I am concerned about heart disease and breast cancer being the primary killers of American women.
Incorrect: Several guest were invited to the Legends Ball.
Correct: Several guests were invited to the Legends Ball.

9. That’s all, folks!
This lesson is part of the UWF Writing Lab Grammar Mini-Lesson Series
Lessons adapted from Real Good Grammar, Too by Mamie Webb Hixon
To find out more, visit the Writing Lab’s website where you can take a self-scoring quiz corresponding to this lesson