SUBJECT-VERB AGREEMENT RULES YOU SHOULD KNOW!

SUBJECT-VERB AGREEMENT RULES YOU SHOULD KNOW! 

🔹 1. Singular Subject = Singular Verb

He runs every morning. ✅

She likes chocolate. ✅

Rule: If the subject is singular, use a verb with an -s (or -es) in the present tense.

🔹 2. Plural Subject = Plural Verb

They run every morning. ✅

Dogs bark loudly. ✅

Rule: If the subject is plural, use the base form of the verb (no -s).

🔹 3. Subject Joined by 'And' = Plural Verb

Tom and Jerry are friends. ✅

Rule: Two or more subjects joined by “and” take a plural verb.

🔹 4. Subjects Joined by 'Or' or 'Nor'

Either the cat or the dog is outside. ✅

Neither the teacher nor the students are ready. ✅

Rule: The verb agrees with the subject closest to it.

🔹 5. Indefinite Pronouns

Some are singular, some are plural, and some can be both.

Singular: Everyone, someone, each, nobody

→ Everyone is here. ✅

Plural: Few, many, several, both

→ Few have arrived. ✅

Singular or plural (context-based): All, any, none, some

→ Some of the cake is gone. ✅

→ Some of the cookies are gone. ✅

🔹 6. Collective Nouns

The team is winning. ✅ (treated as singular in American English)

The jury are arguing. ✅ (plural usage common in British English)

Rule: In American English, collective nouns are usually singular.

🔹 7. Titles and Names

The United States is a large country. ✅

The Walking Dead is a popular show. ✅

Rule: Treat titles, book names, and country names as singular.

🔹 8. Distances, Time, Money = Singular

Five dollars is enough. ✅

Ten kilometers is far. ✅

🔹 9. There is / There are

There is a book on the table. ✅

There are many books on the shelf. ✅

Rule: The verb agrees with the noun that follows it.