Subject-Verb Agreement: Explanation, Examples, and Practice Exercises

Understanding subject-verb agreement is essential for mastering English grammar. Subject-verb agreement refers to the concept that the verb in a sentence must agree in number with the subject. In other words, singular subjects require singular verbs, while plural subjects require plural verbs. This article provides a comprehensive overview of subject-verb agreement rules, along with clear examples and 25 practice exercises to help you solidify your understanding. By the end of this article, you will have a strong foundation in subject-verb agreement and be better prepared to communicate effectively in English.

Singular subjects require singular verbs, while plural subjects require plural verbs.

Examples:

  • A cat sleeps on the couch. (singular subject and verb)
  • Cats sleep on the couch. (plural subject and verb)

When two subjects are connected by “and,” use a plural verb.

Examples:

  • Sally and Tom are friends. (two subjects joined by “and,” plural verb)
  • Apples and oranges are fruits. (two plural subjects joined by “and,” plural verb)

If a compound subject with “and” sounds singular, use a singular verb.

Examples:

  • Peanut butter and jelly is a popular sandwich. (compound subject sounds singular, singular verb)
  • Spaghetti and meatballs is a delicious dish. (compound subject sounds singular, singular verb)

The verb should agree with the main subject, not the nearest subject.

Examples:

  • The group of students is going on a field trip. (main subject: group, singular verb)
  • The list of items is on the table. (main subject: list, singular verb)

When subjects are connected by phrases like “as well as,” “along with,” “with,” “together with,” or “in addition to,” the verb should agree with the first subject.

Examples:

  • The teacher, along with the students, is attending the workshop. (main subject: teacher, singular verb)
  • The books, in addition to the magazines, are on the shelf. (main subject: books, plural verb)

When subjects are connected by “either-or,” “neither-nor,” “not only – but also,” or “or,” the verb should agree with the nearest subject.

Examples:

  • Either the teacher or the students are responsible. (nearest subject: students, plural verb)
  • Neither the students nor the teacher is available. (nearest subject: teacher, singular verb)

Singular verbs are used with “either,” “neither,” “none,” “everyone,” “someone,” “anyone,” “many a,” “more than one.”

Examples:

  • None of the books is interesting. (singular verb)
  • Everyone in the class has completed the assignment. (singular verb)
  • Many a person has faced this challenge. (singular verb)

Subject-Verb Agreement Practice Exercises:

  1. The baby (sleeps/sleep) peacefully.
  2. The team (celebrates/celebrate) after winning the game.
  3. Many cars (is/are) parked outside.
  4. Neither the book nor the magazine (is/are) mine.
  5. The cake, along with the cookies, (was/were) delicious.
  6. Each of the students (has/have) a different opinion.
  7. The sun (shines/shine) brightly today.
  8. The staff (works/work) efficiently.
  9. My family (is/are) going on a trip.
  10. The committee (has/have) reached a decision.
  11. The box of chocolates (is/are) on the table.
  12. All the computers in the lab (is/are) new.
  13. The bouquet of flowers (looks/look) beautiful.
  14. Some of the apples (is/are) rotten.
  15. The dog and the cat (is/are) playing together.
  16. Neither the cat nor the dog (chases/chase) the mouse.
  17. The teacher, together with her students, (is/are) going on a field trip.
  18. A pack of wolves (prowls/prowl) in the forest.
  19. The audience (claps/clap) after the performance.
  20. The orchestra (plays/play) a symphony.
  21. Several cats (lives/live) in the neighborhood.
  22. Every one of the players (tries/try) their best.
  23. The crowd (cheers/cheer) for their team.
  24. The series of events (leads/lead) to surprising conclusions.
  25. A flock of birds (flies/fly) across the sky.

Subject-Verb Agreement Practice Exercises: Answers

  1. sleeps
  2. celebrates
  3. are
  4. is
  5. was
  6. has
  7. shines
  8. work
  9. is
  10. has
  11. is
  12. are
  13. looks
  14. are
  15. are
  16. chases
  17. is
  18. prowls
  19. claps
  20. plays
  21. live
  22. tries
  23. cheer
  24. leads
  25. fly
Subject-Verb Agreement Explanation, Examples, and Practice Exercises
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