Master Subject-Verb Agreement Step by Step 📝
Welcome, young writer!
Subject-verb agreement is an important grammar rule that makes your writing clear and correct. When subjects and verbs "agree," your sentences sound natural and professional!
Ready to become an agreement expert? Let's go! 🚀
A singular subject takes a singular verb. A plural subject takes a plural verb.
✅ The dog runs fast. (singular)
✅ The dogs run fast. (plural)
For he/she/it or any singular noun, add -s or -es to the verb in simple present tense.
✅ She watches TV every day.
✅ He studies hard for exams.
✅ It works perfectly.
When two subjects are joined by "and," they usually take a plural verb.
✅ Tom and Jerry are friends.
✅ Rice and noodles are popular in Hong Kong.
The verb agrees with the subject closer to it.
✅ Neither the teacher nor the students were late.
✅ Either the students or the teacher is coming.
Prepositional phrases (of, with, in, etc.) don't change the subject!
✅ The box of chocolates is on the table.
(The subject is "box," not "chocolates")
✅ The students in the class are working hard.
Look at what comes AFTER the verb to decide!
✅ There is a book on the desk. (one book = singular)
✅ There are many books on the desk. (many books = plural)
Everyone, everybody, someone, somebody, anyone, anybody, no one, nobody, each, every, either, neither
✅ Everyone is excited about the holiday.
✅ Each of the students has a textbook.
✅ Nobody knows the answer.
Family, team, class, group, committee - usually singular when acting as one unit.
✅ The team is playing well today.
✅ My family lives in Kowloon.
These depend on what they refer to!
✅ Some of the cake is left. (cake = uncountable, singular)
✅ Some of the cookies are left. (cookies = countable, plural)
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