What Are the Rules of Subject Verb Concord with Examples
Subject-verb concord is a basic but essential grammar topic for every English learner. Mastering it helps you write and speak accurately—whether in exams, assignments, or real-life communication. Understanding these rules boosts confidence and avoids common grammar mistakes in school and beyond.
| Sentence | Correct / Incorrect | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| She walk to school every day. | Incorrect | Singular subject “She” needs singular verb: “walks”. |
| My friends are happy. | Correct | Plural subject “friends” matches with plural verb “are”. |
| The team win the match. | Incorrect | Collective noun “team” needs singular verb: “wins”. |
| Either my brother or my parents are coming. | Correct | Verb “are” agrees with “parents” (nearest subject). |
| Everybody know the answer. | Incorrect | Indefinite pronoun “everybody” needs “knows”. |
What Is Subject-Verb Concord?
Subject-verb concord, also called subject-verb agreement, means the subject and verb in a sentence must match in number and person. If you use a singular subject, use a singular verb; use a plural verb with a plural subject. These rules apply in both writing and speech.
Why Is Subject-Verb Concord Important?
A good command of subject-verb concord is vital for exams, essays, and everyday communication. Mistakes can confuse the reader and lower your marks. Competitions, board exams, and English tests always check your subject-verb agreement. At Vedantu, we stress learning these basics for success in class and beyond.
Core Subject-Verb Concord Rules with Examples
- Singular subjects take singular verbs.
Example: The dog barks loudly. - Plural subjects take plural verbs.
Example: The dogs bark loudly. - Two or more subjects joined by “and” use a plural verb.
Example: Rahul and Seema play chess. - Each/Every before subjects makes the verb singular.
Example: Each boy runs fast. - With “either/or” or “neither/nor”, the verb matches the nearest subject.
Example: Neither the teacher nor the students are late. - Indefinite pronouns (everyone, each, nobody) are singular.
Example: Everybody knows the rule. - Collective nouns (team, family) are usually singular.
Example: The family enjoys dinner. - Some nouns ending in “s” are singular.
Example: Mathematics is my favorite subject. - Amounts, distance, and time take singular verbs.
Example: Five dollars is enough. - Do not let words between the subject and verb affect agreement.
Example: The quality of the apples is good.
Special Cases in Subject-Verb Concord
- Collective nouns can be plural if members act individually.
Example: The jury are taking their seats. (BrE) - Nouns like “police”, “scissors”, “trousers” are always plural.
Example: The scissors are sharp. - Titles of books, movies, or subjects are singular.
Example: “The News” is on TV. - Some pronouns change meaning based on context.
Example: None of the cakes are left. / None of the work is finished.
Subject-Verb Concord Worksheet: Practice Exercise
- The list of items (is/are) on the table.
- Physics (is/are) tough for many students.
- Neither the boys nor the girl (has/have) won.
- Ten kilometers (is/are) a long run.
- Both my mother and father (supports/support) me.
Answers: is, is, has, is, support
Quick Reference Table: Singular and Plural Forms
| Person | Singular Subject | Plural Subject |
|---|---|---|
| First | I play | We play |
| Second | You write | You write |
| Third | He/She/It eats | They eat |
Common Mistakes and Tips
- Do not match verbs to nouns in prepositional phrases. Use the main subject.
- Be careful with indefinite pronouns; most are singular.
- Collective nouns follow context—single unit or individuals.
- Many “s” ending nouns can be singular (e.g., news, mathematics).
- Practice with Vedantu’s worksheets for real exam practice.
Summary
Subject-verb concord ensures your sentences are grammatically correct and clear. Learn the key rules, check for special cases, and use examples for practice. With regular review and Vedantu resources, you will master this vital topic for English success in school and life.
FAQs on Subject Verb Concord in English Grammar
1. What is subject verb concord in English grammar?
Subject verb concord is the grammatical rule that a verb must agree in number with its subject. This means a singular subject takes a singular verb, and a plural subject takes a plural verb.
- Singular: The dog runs fast.
- Plural: The dogs run fast.
2. What are the basic rules of subject verb agreement?
The basic rule of subject verb agreement is that singular subjects take singular verbs and plural subjects take plural verbs.
- A singular subject (e.g., he, she, it) takes a verb ending in -s in the present tense: She writes.
- A plural subject (e.g., they, we) takes the base verb: They write.
- Two subjects joined by and usually take a plural verb: Tom and Jerry are friends.
3. How do you identify the subject for subject verb concord?
To apply subject verb concord, you must first identify who or what performs the action in the sentence. Follow these steps:
- Find the verb.
- Ask “Who?” or “What?” before the verb.
- The answer is the subject.
4. What happens when two subjects are joined by 'and'?
When two subjects are joined by and, they usually take a plural verb. This is because the combined subjects refer to more than one person or thing.
- Jack and Jill are climbing the hill.
- My brother and sister live abroad.
5. How does subject verb agreement work with collective nouns?
A collective noun can take a singular or plural verb depending on whether the group acts as one unit or as individuals.
- Singular (acting as one unit): The team is winning.
- Plural (acting as individuals): The team are arguing among themselves.
6. What is the rule for subject verb concord with 'either...or' and 'neither...nor'?
With either...or and neither...nor, the verb agrees with the subject closest to it. This is called the proximity rule.
- Either the teacher or the students are responsible.
- Neither the students nor the teacher is available.
7. Do indefinite pronouns follow subject verb agreement rules?
Yes, indefinite pronouns follow specific subject verb agreement rules based on whether they are singular or plural.
- Singular: Everyone, someone, each, anybody take singular verbs — Everyone is ready.
- Plural: Few, many, several take plural verbs — Many are invited.
- Variable: Some, all, none depend on the noun — Some water is gone; Some books are missing.
8. How does subject verb concord work with uncountable nouns?
An uncountable noun always takes a singular verb because it is treated as one unit.
- The information is correct.
- Milk is healthy.
9. What are common mistakes in subject verb agreement?
Common subject verb agreement errors occur when writers confuse the subject with nearby words or phrases.
- Mistaking a prepositional phrase noun for the subject: The list of items is long (not are).
- Ignoring indefinite pronoun rules: Everyone has arrived (not have).
- Confusion with collective nouns and compound subjects.
10. Why is subject verb concord important in English writing and speaking?
Subject verb concord is important because it ensures grammatical accuracy and clarity in English communication.
- It makes sentences grammatically correct.
- It improves academic and professional writing.
- It prevents confusion in spoken and written English.
