Master The Basics Of Subject-Verb Agreement in English

When it comes to learn English, one of the most common yet confusing aspects is subject-verb agreement. Many students struggle to match the subject and the verb correctly in sentences, leading to errors in writing, exams, and even spoken English.

In this comprehensive blog, we’ll explore:

• What subject-verb agreement means

• The golden rules to follow

• Common errors and how to avoid them

• Examples and exercises

• Why mastering this topic matters for communication and exams

And along the way, we’ll show you how PlanetSpark’s English Grammar Course can make grammar learning easy, practical, and fun for students of all ages.

What is Subject-Verb Agreement?

Subject-verb agreement simply means that the verb in a sentence must agree with its subject in number (singular/plural) and sometimes in person (first, second, third).

For example:

• Correct: The dog barks loudly. (Singular subject + singular verb)

• Correct: The dogs bark loudly. (Plural subject + plural verb)

• Incorrect: The dogs barks loudly.

The subject tells us who or what the sentence is about, while the verb tells us what the subject does or is. Getting this agreement right ensures your sentence is grammatically correct.

The Rules of Subject-Verb Agreement

Let’s break down the key rules with examples:

1. Singular and Plural Subjects

• Singular subjects take singular verbs.

• Plural subjects take plural verbs.

Examples:

• The boy runs fast.

• The boys run fast.

2. Subjects Joined by “And”

When two subjects are joined by and, the verb is usually plural.

• Riya and Priya are best friends.

• The teacher and the principal have arrived.

Exception: When the two subjects form one idea, use singular.

• Bread and butter is my favorite breakfast.

3. Subjects Joined by “Or/Nor”

The verb agrees with the subject closest to it.

• Either Ramesh or his friends are coming.

• Neither the students nor the teacher was late.

4. Indefinite Pronouns

Words like everyone, someone, each, anybody are singular.

• Everyone loves chocolate.

• Each student has a notebook.

Some words like all, some, none can be singular or plural depending on the noun.

• All the water is wasted. (Singular)

• All the students are present. (Plural)

5. Collective Nouns

Collective nouns like team, family, committee may be singular or plural depending on meaning.

• The team is winning. (as a single unit)

• The team are arguing among themselves. (as individuals)

6. Titles and Names

Titles of books, movies, and names of organizations are treated as singular.

• “Gulliver’s Travels” is an interesting book.

• The United Nations is holding a meeting.

7. Distance, Time, and Money

These are singular when considered as a whole.

• Ten miles is a long distance.

• Five hundred rupees is too much for this pen.

8. Relative Pronouns

When a relative pronoun like who, which, that is subject, the verb agrees with the antecedent.

• She is one of the girls who dance well.

• He is the only one of the boys who dances well.

Learn the basics and master the the usage of all 7 pronouns.

Strengthen your un child's understanding of subject-verb agreement today! Practice with interactive exercises and real-life examples to learn English grammar confidently. 

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Common Errors in Subject-Verb Agreement

Even advanced learners make mistakes. Here are some frequent errors:

1. Misleading phrases between subject and verb

• Incorrect: The bouquet of flowers are beautiful.

• Correct: The bouquet of flowers is beautiful.

2. Confusion with indefinite pronouns

• Incorrect: Everybody know the answer.

• Correct: Everybody knows the answer.

3. Using plural verb with collective nouns

• Incorrect: The committee have decided. (if referring to a single decision)

• Correct: The committee has decided.

4. Incorrect verb with “either/or, neither/nor”

• Incorrect: Either Riya or her friends is coming.

• Correct: Either Riya or her friends are coming.

Why is Subject-Verb Agreement Important?

Mastering subject-verb agreement is more than just a grammar rule it is a key skill that influences clarity, confidence, and performance in both written and spoken English. Here’s why it matters:

1. Clarity in Communication

Correct subject-verb agreement ensures that your sentences make sense and are easy to understand. For example, saying The team is winning clearly communicates that the team as a single unit is performing well, while The team are winning might confuse the listener about whether you mean individuals or the group. Proper agreement avoids ambiguity, making your writing and speech precise and understandable.

2. Professionalism

Using the correct subject-verb agreement reflects a strong command over English. Whether you are writing an essay, giving a presentation, or attending an interview, grammatical errors can create a negative impression. Employers, teachers, and peers often associate correct grammar with credibility and professionalism. Speaking or writing with proper agreement demonstrates attention to detail and effective communication skills.

3. Confidence

When students consistently apply subject-verb agreement correctly, it boosts their confidence in both writing and speaking. They no longer pause or second-guess themselves while forming sentences. This confidence is particularly important in situations like public speaking, debates, or answering questions in exams, where hesitation or errors can affect performance.

4. Marks Booster

In academic assessments, grammar mistakes directly impact marks. Subject-verb agreement is a common area tested in school exams, competitive tests, and board exams. By mastering this rule, students can avoid losing points unnecessarily and demonstrate strong language skills. Regular practice of subject-verb agreement can, therefore, be a simple yet effective way to improve overall exam scores.

At PlanetSpark, students don’t just memorize rules they apply them in real conversations and writing tasks.

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How to Master Subject-Verb Agreement

Mastering subject-verb agreement requires consistent practice. Here are some practical strategies with examples:

PlanetSpark’s English Grammar Course: A Shortcut to Mastery

At PlanetSpark, grammar is not taught as boring rules. Instead, we make it:

• Interactive - Students engage in live discussions, debates, and activities. 

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• Confidence-Building - Students learn to express ideas fluently and accurately.

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Exercises for Practice

Try these to test yourself:

1. The group of students ___ (is/are) excited about the trip.

2. Neither the teacher nor the students ___ (was/were) late.

3. Ten kilometers ___ (is/are) a long walk.

4. Everyone ___ (want/wants) to join the game.

5. Bread and butter ___ (is/are) my breakfast.

(Answers: 1. is, 2. were, 3. is, 4. wants, 5. is)

Start practicing at early stage for Class 5 Grammar Worksheet on Subject-Verb Agreement

Subject-Verb Agreement in Spoken English

In daily conversations, mistakes in subject-verb agreement are very common. For example:

• Wrong: She don’t like pizza.

• Right: She doesn’t like pizza.

When speaking fast, students often skip the “s” in verbs or mix up singular and plural. PlanetSpark trainers ensure students practice spoken drills so that correct grammar becomes second nature.

Conclusion

Subject-verb agreement may look tricky at first, but with the right practice and guidance, it becomes easy. By carefully identifying the subject, matching it correctly with the verb, and paying attention to tricky cases like indefinite pronouns and collective nouns, students can write and speak with clarity and confidence. Consistent practice not only strengthens grammar skills but also improves communication, boo

FAQs: Subject-verb agreement

Q. What is subject-verb agreement in English grammar?

A. Subject-verb agreement means the verb in a sentence must match its subject in number and person. For example, She runs (singular) vs. They run (plural). It ensures grammatically correct and clear communication.

Q. Why is subject-verb agreement important for students?

A. It helps students write error-free answers in exams, boosts marks, and improves spoken English. Correct usage reflects fluency and confidence in communication. It also builds a strong foundation for advanced grammar.

Q. What are the basic rules of subject-verb agreement?

A. Singular subjects take singular verbs, while plural subjects take plural verbs. Special rules apply for indefinite pronouns, collective nouns, and “either/or” cases. Learning these rules avoids common grammar mistakes.

Q. What are some common mistakes in subject-verb agreement?

A. Students often get confused with words like everyone, each, none which are singular. They also make mistakes with collective nouns and phrases between subject and verb. Careful reading of the subject solves these errors.

Q. How can I practice subject-verb agreement effectively?

A. Regular practice through worksheets, quizzes, and reading helps a lot. Writing short essays and checking errors improves accuracy. Guided courses like PlanetSpark make practice fun and interactive.

Q. Is subject-verb agreement important in spoken English too?

A. Yes, it is! Errors like She don’t instead of She doesn’t are common in speech. Correct subject-verb agreement improves fluency and makes conversations sound natural and professional.

Q. How can PlanetSpark help me master subject-verb agreement?

A. PlanetSpark offers live grammar classes, instant trainer feedback, and AI-powered learning tools. Students learn not just rules but also real-life application in speaking and writing. This builds lasting fluency and confidence.