Subject-verb agreement means that the subject and verb in a sentence must match in number. If the subject is singular, the verb should be singular. If the subject is plural, the verb should be plural. It’s a basic grammar rule, but one that often causes confusion, especially in longer or more complex sentences.
Getting subject-verb agreement right helps your writing sound natural and correct. In this article, you’ll learn the rules that guide it, see examples of how it works, and find out how to avoid the most common mistakes learners make.
What Is Subject-Verb Agreement?
Subject-verb agreement is the rule that a verb must match its subject in number. A singular subject takes a singular verb, and a plural subject takes a plural verb.
This agreement makes sentences clearer and easier to read.
Example:
A quiet library encourages focus.
(The singular subject “library” matches the singular verb “encourages.”)
Noisy cafes often distract students.
(The plural subject “cafes” matches the plural verb “distract.”)
Even though the rule sounds simple, it can be tricky in longer sentences or when the subject isn’t close to the verb. That’s why a solid understanding helps at every level of writing.
Basic Subject-Verb Agreement Rules
Subject-verb agreement follows a few core rules that help keep your sentences clear and grammatically correct. Once you know these, most everyday writing becomes much easier to manage.
1. A singular subject takes a singular verb.
The bakery closes at 6 p.m.
(“Bakery” is singular, so the verb “closes” matches.)
2. A plural subject takes a plural verb.
Local markets offer fresh produce on weekends.
(“Markets” is plural, so “offer” is the correct verb.)
3. When two subjects are joined by and, use a plural verb.
Liam and Priya work in the same department.
(The subject is compound, so “work” is plural.)
4. When subjects are joined by or or nor, the verb agrees with the part closest to it.
Either the teacher or the students have the materials.
Either the students or the teacher has the materials.
(The verb matches the subject nearest to it.)
Subject-Verb Agreement Examples
Let’s look at how subject-verb agreement works through different types of sentences.
Singular vs. Plural Subjects
A dusty notebook sits on the desk.
(“Notebook” is singular, so the verb “sits” is also singular.)
Several notebooks sit on the desk.
(“Notebooks” is plural, so the verb “sit” is plural.)
Compound Subjects
My neighbor and her daughter volunteer at the shelter every Saturday.
(“Neighbor and daughter” form a plural subject, so the verb “volunteer” agrees.)
Subjects Joined by Or / Nor
Neither the committee members nor the chairperson wants to delay the vote.
(“Chairperson” is singular and closest to the verb, so the verb is singular.)
Either the printer or the laptops need to be replaced.
(“Laptops” is plural and closest to the verb, so the verb is plural.)
Interrupting Phrases
The bouquet of sunflowers and daisies was arranged by hand.
(“Bouquet” is the subject, not “sunflowers and daisies,” so the verb remains singular.)
These examples highlight how subject-verb agreement works in different sentence structures.
Common Subject-Verb Agreement Errors
Some subject-verb agreement errors are easier to miss than others. Below are common situations where learners often make mistakes, along with examples that show how to avoid them.
Indefinite Pronouns
Words like everyone, someone, each, and nobody are always singular, even though they refer to groups.
❌ Everyone in the class have finished the project.
✔ Everyone in the class has finished the project.
Collective Nouns
Nouns like team, staff, or audience may look plural but are usually treated as singular unless the sentence clearly refers to individuals in the group.
✔ The staff is reviewing the policy.
(Refers to the group as a single unit.)
✔ The staff are sharing their individual opinions.
(Refers to staff members separately.)
Phrases Between Subject and Verb
It’s easy to get distracted by words that come between the subject and the verb. Focus on the actual subject.
❌ The sound of the drums and horns carry across the field.
✔ The sound of the drums and horns carries across the field.
Inverted Sentences
When a sentence starts with here or there, make sure the verb agrees with the actual subject.
✔ There are three folders on the shelf.
✔ There is a message waiting for you.
Advanced Subject-Verb Agreement Rules
Once you’re comfortable with the basics, it’s helpful to know how subject-verb agreement works in more complex sentence structures.
Subjects Joined by Or or Nor (Mixed Number)
When a singular and plural subject are joined by or or nor, the verb should agree with the subject closest to it.
❌ Either the volunteers or the coordinator have arrived.
✔ Either the volunteers or the coordinator has arrived.
❌ Neither the manager nor the assistants is available.
✔ Neither the manager nor the assistants are available.
Distances, Time, and Amounts of Money
Even when these nouns look plural, they are treated as singular when referring to a single quantity.
✔ Ten dollars is enough to cover lunch.
✔ Five kilometers is a long walk in this heat.
Titles, Book Names, and Other Plural-Looking Nouns
Titles of books, movies, and other works are considered singular, even if they look plural.
✔ The Chronicles of Narnia is a popular fantasy series.
✔ Mathematics is my favorite subject.
Plural Nouns with Singular Meaning
Some nouns appear plural but are treated as singular when they describe a single idea or subject.
✔ Politics is often discussed in class.
✔ Economics was never my strongest subject.
Knowing how these special cases work helps you write with more precision—especially when the subject and verb are not as straightforward as they first appear.
Tips for Avoiding Mistakes
Even with solid grammar knowledge, subject-verb agreement errors can sneak into writing. These quick tips can help you spot and fix them more easily:
1. Find the True Subject
Identify who or what is doing the action. Ignore words that come between the subject and the verb.
The number of participants was higher than expected.
(“Number,” not “participants,” is the subject.)
2. Watch Out for Modifying Phrases
Phrases like “along with,” “as well as,” or “in addition to” don’t change the number of the subject.
The teacher, along with her assistants, checks every assignment.
(“Teacher” is the subject, so the verb is singular.)
3. Keep an Eye on Compound Subjects
Most of the time, subjects joined by “and” take a plural verb.
❌ The manager and the assistant is attending the meeting.
✔ The manager and the assistant are attending the meeting.
However, when the two items refer to a single idea, unit, or item, use a singular verb.
✔ Peanut butter and jelly is a classic lunch combination.
(“Peanut butter and jelly” is considered one dish.)
✔ Macaroni and cheese was served at the event.
(This is also treated as a single item.)
4. Don’t Rely on Sound Alone
Sometimes the verb sounds right but doesn’t actually match the subject. Read carefully and double-check longer sentences.
FAQs
What is subject-verb agreement?
Subject-verb agreement is the rule that a verb must match its subject in number. If the subject is singular, use a singular verb. If the subject is plural, use a plural verb.
What are some common subject-verb agreement errors?
Common errors include using a plural verb with a singular subject (or vice versa), getting confused by phrases between the subject and verb, and misidentifying subjects joined by “or,” “nor,” or “along with.”
How do you know if a subject and verb agree?
Start by identifying the subject of the sentence. Then, check whether the verb matches in number. Don’t be misled by additional words between them or by subjects that sound plural but are singular in meaning.
Are collective nouns singular or plural?
Collective nouns (like team, family, staff) are usually treated as singular when referring to the group as a whole. They can be plural when emphasizing individuals in the group, depending on the context.
What’s an easy way to avoid subject-verb agreement mistakes?
Focus on the core subject, ignore interrupting phrases, and double-check that the verb form matches the subject’s number. Reading the sentence aloud can also help you catch mismatches.
