Subject-Verb Agreement: Definition, Rules, & Examples

• Nov 27, 2024
• 7 min read

• Tags: Academic Writing, English as a Second Language / ESL, Grammar, Writing Tips

“The babies is playing”. Does this sentence sound correct to you? If your answer is no, you are right. There is a problem with how this sentence has been constructed because it does not adhere to the subject-verb agreement rule in grammar. While the word “babies” indicates more than one baby, the word “is” is singular. 

Subject-verb agreement is a fundamental grammar rule that requires us to ensure that the verb in a sentence matches the subject in terms of number (singular or plural). 

Properly matching subjects and verbs in sentences helps convey messages clearly and avoids confusion. It makes writing more precise and professional. Let’s understand this interesting concept in grammar.

What is the subject-verb agreement?

Subject-verb agreement refers to the grammatical requirement where the subjects and verbs in a sentence must match or be compatible in number and form. When a subject is singular, its verb must also be singular. Similarly, when a subject is plural, its verb must be plural. Here is an example: 

• • • Singular: The dog runs.
    • Plural: The dogs run.

Understanding subject and verb compatibility helps master this essential grammar rule. A strong foundation of subject-verb agreement is crucial for effective written communication. It enhances the clarity of your writing and helps you be a good communicator. 

Why subject-verb agreement matters in writing

The importance of subject-verb agreement cannot be overstated. It impacts the clarity and readability of your content. A mismatch between subjects and verbs can disrupt the flow of your writing and hamper comprehension. In academic and professional settings, this can seriously undermine your credibility. 

When subjects and verbs do not align in a sentence, your writing typically reads awkward or sounds ambiguous. Readers might struggle to understand your point, which affects communication to a great extent. Ensuring proper agreement between the subject and verb reflects attention to detail, professionalism, and command over language.

Fundamental rules of subject-verb agreement

To apply the rules of subject-verb agreement correctly, you need a solid understanding of subjects and verbs. 

Here are some basic rules that lay the foundation and help you correctly write.

1. Singular vs. plural subjects

The singular vs. plural subjects rule is foundational in subject-verb agreement. These refer to a single person, place, thing, or idea, which means they require singular verbs.

Hence, when a subject is singular, a singular verb form must follow, and the same applies to plural subjects. See below to understand this. 

• • • • Singular: She loves music.
      • Plural: They love music.

This rule extends to singular and plural verbs when forming sentences with various subjects.

2. Agreement with compound subjects

Agreement with compound subjects can be tricky. When two subjects are connected by and, they usually require a plural verb. It means that you must identify the subject that is immediately adjacent to the verb.

• • • • The teacher and the student discuss the lesson.

However, if the subjects are connected by “or” or “nor”, the verb should agree with the nearest or closest subject. 

• • • • Either the teacher or the students attend the meeting.

3. Agreement with indefinite pronouns

Indefinite pronouns, such as everyone, nobody, and each, are generally singular, and they require singular verbs. 

Even though these pronouns refer to a group of people, they are considered singular. These could be words like either, neither, one, another, someone, anyone, no one, everybody, anybody, etc.

• • • • Everyone enjoys a good story.

But some pronouns like few, many, and both are plural and take plural verbs:

• • • • Few know the answer.

4. Collective nouns and subject-verb agreement

Collective nouns (e.g., team, family, group) refer to a group but usually take singular verbs. Dealing with words that act as collective nouns can be challenging in some cases. However, generally, they are treated as singular. 

• • • • The team plays well together.

In certain contexts, collective nouns can take plural verbs when referring to individual members acting independently:

• • • • The team are deciding among themselves.
      • The family has a history of strong work ethic.

5. Subject-verb agreement with inverted sentences

Inverted sentences flip the typical subject-verb order, which can complicate agreement. In inverted sentences, the verb often comes before the subject. 

To determine the correct verb form, identify the subject and ensure the verb agrees with it in terms of number or form. 

• • • • There is a problem with the solution.
      • Here come the students.

In this structure, the verb agrees with the actual subject, not with the introductory word.

Advanced rules for subject-verb agreement

As your grammar skills grow, you will come across advanced subject-verb agreement rules. Here are some cases where agreement rules are less obvious.

1. Subject-verb agreement with titles and names

Titles, names, and other singular entities always require singular verbs, even if they appear plural. 

• • • • “War and Peace” is a famous novel.

Company or organizational names also take singular verbs regardless of their form:

• • • • Microsoft has released a new update.

2. Agreement in conditional clauses and subjunctive mood

In conditional clauses, subject-verb agreement can be affected by hypothetical or unreal situations. The verb tense can vary depending on the degree of certainty or uncertainty about the condition. However, the subject-verb agreement remains consistent. 

The subjunctive mood often disregards standard agreement rules, especially with the word “were”. It is often used to express wishes, describe hypothetical situations, or state demands. 

• • • • If I were a millionaire, I would travel the world.

This rule is unique to conditional statements and hypothetical scenarios. 

3. Special cases in subject-verb agreement

Some sentences contain special cases where subject-verb agreement rules apply differently. 

• • • • When the words “each” and “every” precede singular nouns, they require singular verbs.
        • Each member of the team has a role.

Similarly, quantities or measurements often take singular verbs. 

• • • • Five dollars is enough for the meal.

4. Words that end in -s but are singular

Some nouns that end in -s are singular and require singular verbs.

• • • • Mathematics is my favorite subject.
      • Physics requires a lot of practice.

5. Gerund phrases as subjects

A gerund phrase is a group of words beginning with a gerund (a verb ending in -ing) that acts as a noun. 

When a gerund phrase functions as the subject of a sentence, it typically takes a singular verb.

• • • • Swimming and diving are popular water sports.
      • Eating healthy foods is important for good health.

These special cases of subject-verb agreement require attention to ensure correctness.

Examples of subject-verb agreement

Applying these rules in practice can solidify your understanding of this essential grammar rule. Here are examples of subject-verb agreement in action. 

1. Singular subjects: The dog barks at strangers.

2. Plural subjects: The dogs bark at strangers.

3. Compound subjects: Neither the teacher nor the students have arrived.

4. Indefinite pronouns: Each of the participants takes a turn.

5. Collective nouns: The class votes on the project topic.

6. Titles and names: “The Chronicles of Narnia” is a popular book series.

7. Gerund phrases as subjects: Running is good for your health.

These examples show how grammar rules govern subject and verb alignment to produce clear, grammatically correct sentences. They help you match singular and plural subjects with their corresponding verb forms, even in more complex sentence structures. 

If subject-verb agreement is a matter of concern for you, send your content to our editors. We provide editing and proofreading services for essays, manuscripts, novels, personal statements, marketing material, and many other content forms and help you present a document that is correct and effective. 

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Rashmi

Rashmi is a versatile writer with a passion for developing engaging long-form content. With a keen interest in both academic and business spheres, she enjoys creating comprehensive content pieces that readers find informative and interesting. She endeavors to exercise her intellectual curiosity, explore new perspectives, and consider different possibilities through her writing.