Subject Verb Agreement

Rule 1:

With a singular subject use singular verbs such as is, was, has, does or verbs that end with -s / -es in the present simple tense.

Examples:

• The boy carries a pack of cookies every day.
• Sunita is writing a lab report for her assignment.

Rule 2:

With a plural subject use plural verbs such as are, were, have, do or base verbs without -s / -es in the present simple tense.

Examples:

• The boys carry a pack of cookies every day.
• The students are writing lab reports for their assignment.

Rule 3:

If the subject is you, use plural verb forms: are, were, have, do or base verb (no -s).

Examples:

• You are not coming to the football match?
• You have to return the pen you borrowed yesterday.

Rule 4:

When two nouns are joined by or / nor, the verb agrees with the noun nearest to it.

Examples:

• Ramesh or Ridhi is selected for the post of General Manager this year.
• Blue or black pen is allowed to be used for the exam.

Rule 5:

Words like each, every, everyone, everybody, someone, somebody, neither, either are singular and take singular verbs.

Examples:

• Each of the directors is against the contract.
• Everybody in the class admires him for his bravery.

Rule 6:

When a sentence begins with there is or there are, the verb must agree with the real subject that follows.

Examples:

• There are apples kept in the fruit basket.
• There is a cat sleeping on your bed.

Rule 7:

When two or more subjects are joined by and, use a plural verb.

Examples:

• Rasmika and Simon are selected as the class representatives.
• Marina and Kane like to go to live music concerts every weekend.

Rule 8:

Collective nouns (team, group, committee, pride, class, family, etc.) can take singular or plural verbs depending on meaning:

• If the group acts as a single unit, use a singular verb: The committee has decided.
• If the members act individually, use a plural verb: The committee are divided in opinion.

Rule 9:

When quantities or measurements expressed as numbers, amounts, time, distance, money, etc. function as a single unit, use a singular verb.

Examples:

• Ninety thousand dollars is a large donation.
• Ten miles is a long distance to walk.

Rule 10:

Phrases such as along with, as well as, together with, in addition to do not make the subject plural — the verb agrees with the main subject.

Examples:

• Rubina, along with her brother, is at the concert tonight.
• The faculty, as well as the principal, has been invited to the annual function next week.

Rule 11:

Use plural verb with a number of, but use singular with the number of.

Examples:

• A number of visitors are waiting in the lobby.
• The number of visitors is huge.

Note: Subject–verb agreement is essential for clear and grammatically correct sentences. Always identify the true subject before choosing the verb.