Subject–Verb Agreement is the grammatical rule that requires the verb to match its subject in number (singular or plural) and person. Choosing the correct verb makes your sentences accurate and grammatically correct.
Basic Principle
Singular Subject → Singular VerbPlural Subject → Plural Verb
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<Basic Rules
Rule 1: A Singular Subject Takes a Singular Verb
When the subject is singular, the verb must also be singular.
Examples
She writes beautifully.He plays football.
The boy is happy.>
<Rule 2: A Plural Subject Takes a Plural Verb
When the subject is plural, the verb should also be plural.
Examples
They write neatly.The boys play cricket.
The children are cheerful.>
<Rule 3: 'I' and 'You'
The pronouns I and You usually take plural verb forms.
Examples
I am ready. (Special case)
You are my best friend.>
<Important Rules
Rule 4: Subjects Joined by and
When two or more subjects are connected by and, a plural verb is generally used.
Examples
Ravi and Rahim are classmates.
Tea and coffee are served here.>
<Rule 5: Subjects Joined by or, either...or, neither...nor
In these constructions, the verb agrees with the subject nearest to it.
Examples
Either Ram or his friends are coming.
Either the boys or Ram is coming.>
<Rule 6: Indefinite Pronouns
Words such as everyone, someone, each, and anyone are treated as singular.
Examples
Everyone is ready.Someone has called.
Each student has received a certificate.>
<Rule 7: A number of and The number of
These expressions have different meanings and take different verbs.
Examples
- A number of students are absent. (Plural meaning)
- The number of students is increasing. (Singular meaning)>
<Rule 8: Collective Nouns
Collective nouns usually take a singular verb when the group is considered as one unit.
Examples
- The team is performing well.
- The committee has announced its decision.>
<Rule 9: Uncountable Nouns
Uncountable nouns always take singular verbs.
Examples
- Water is essential for life.
- Information is valuable.
- Furniture is expensive.>
<Rule 10: Titles and Names
The titles of books, films, newspapers and subjects are treated as singular.
Examples
- Mathematics is an interesting subject.
- The Ramayana is a famous epic.>
<.4.3 Common Mistakes
Incorrect
❌ She go to school.
Correct
✔ She goes to school.
Incorrect
❌ They is playing.
Correct
✔ They are playing.
Incorrect
❌ Everyone are happy.
Correct
✔ Everyone is happy.
Quick Revision
- Singular subject → Singular verb
- Plural subject → Plural verb
- Subjects joined by and usually take a plural verb.
- With or, either...or, and neither...nor, the verb agrees with the nearest subject.
- Indefinite pronouns are usually singular.
- Collective and uncountable nouns generally take singular verbs>.
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Easy Memory Tip
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