What are the 12 rules of subject-verb agreement 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: Rules, Examples, and Worksheets
1. What is subject-verb concord (or agreement) in English grammar?
Subject-verb concord, also called subject-verb agreement, is a fundamental grammar rule ensuring that a sentence's subject and verb agree in number (singular or plural) and person (first, second, or third). This means a singular subject takes a singular verb, and a plural subject takes a plural verb. For example: "She sings beautifully" (correct) vs. "She sing beautifully" (incorrect).
2. What are the basic rules of subject-verb agreement?
The core rule is simple: singular subjects take singular verbs, and plural subjects take plural verbs. However, several situations require careful attention:
- Compound subjects joined by "and" usually take plural verbs.
- Subjects joined by "or," "nor," or "but" take a verb that agrees with the subject closest to the verb.
- Indefinite pronouns (e.g., everyone, someone, anybody) are generally singular.
- Collective nouns (e.g., team, family) can be singular or plural depending on whether the group acts as a unit or as individuals.
- Nouns ending in -s (e.g., mathematics, news) are often singular.
3. How does subject-verb agreement work with collective nouns?
Collective nouns (like team, family, committee) are tricky. They can take either a singular or plural verb depending on the context. If the group acts as a single unit, use a singular verb; if the members act individually, use a plural verb. For example: "The team is playing well" (unit) vs. "The team are arguing amongst themselves" (individuals).
4. What are some common mistakes in subject-verb agreement?
Common errors include:
- Using a plural verb with a singular subject (e.g., "The dog barks loudly," not "The dog bark loudly").
- Incorrect agreement with compound subjects joined by "or," "nor," or "but."
- Misunderstanding the agreement rules for collective nouns.
- Incorrect verb choice with indefinite pronouns.
5. How do I handle subject-verb agreement with phrases or clauses between the subject and verb?
Ignore intervening phrases or clauses when determining subject-verb agreement. The verb agrees with the main subject, not with nouns within the phrase. For example: "The box of chocolates is on the table," not "The box of chocolates are on the table."
6. What is the rule for subject-verb agreement with "neither/nor" and "either/or"?
With "neither/nor" or "either/or," the verb agrees with the closest subject. For example: "Neither the cats nor the dog is going outside." "Either the dog or the cats are going outside."
7. How does subject-verb agreement work with indefinite pronouns like "everyone" and "someone"?
Indefinite pronouns such as everyone, someone, anyone, no one, nobody, somebody are always singular and take a singular verb. For example: "Everyone is invited."
8. Explain subject-verb agreement with units of measurement.
Units of measurement (time, distance, money, weight) usually take a singular verb. For example: "Ten dollars is a lot of money." "Five kilometers is a long walk."
9. How to improve my understanding of subject-verb concord?
Practice regularly! Use worksheets, complete exercises, and review examples. Focus on the tricky cases like collective nouns and indefinite pronouns. Identify and correct errors in sentences, and you will soon master subject-verb agreement.
10. What resources can help me learn more about subject-verb agreement?
Many resources are available, including grammar textbooks, online tutorials, and practice websites. Vedantu provides comprehensive learning materials, including video lessons and interactive exercises, to strengthen your understanding of this grammar rule.
11. Why is mastering subject-verb agreement important?
Correct subject-verb agreement is crucial for clear and effective communication, both in writing and speaking. It demonstrates grammatical accuracy and improves the overall quality of your English.
12. Are there any exceptions to the rules of subject-verb agreement?
While the rules generally hold true, there can be exceptions, especially in informal speech or idiomatic expressions. However, for formal writing and standardized tests, it's essential to adhere to the standard rules of subject-verb agreement as explained in this guide.
