BASIC SUBJECT-VERB

AGREEMENT
By: Dr. Shadia Y. Banjar http://www.kau.edu.sa/SBANJER
http://wwwdrshadiabanjar.blogspot.com

Dr. Shadia Y. Banjar 1

 THE BASIC PRINCIPLE

The basic principle behind subject-verb

agreement is that a singular subject
needs a singular verb whereas a plural
subject needs a plural verb.

Singular sub. + Singular v.

Pl. sub + Pl. v.

Dr. Shadia Y. Banjar 2

 =
Person
Number

SUBJECT VERB

Dr. Shadia Y. Banjar 3

 SINGULAR VERB PLURAL VERB

My friend lives in My friends live in

Boston. Boston.

Verb + -s/-es = 3rd person singular in the

simple present tense.

noun + -s/-es = plural

Dr. Shadia Y. Banjar 4

Two or more subjects connected by
and require a plural verb.

My brother and sister live

in Boston.
My brother, sister, and
cousin live in Boston.

Dr. Shadia Y. Banjar 5

 EXCEPTION:
EVERY AND EACH
Every man, woman, and child needs love.
Each book and magazine is listed in the card
catalog.

Every and each are

always followed by
singular nouns.
When there are two or
more nouns connected
with and the verb is
singular

Dr. Shadia Y. Banjar 6

 Interrupting structures do not affect basic
subject-verb agreement

SINGULAR VERB PLURAL VERB

That book on political The ideas in That
parties is interesting. book are interesting.

The book I bought at The books I bought

the bookstore was at the bookstore were
expensive expensive

Dr. Shadia Y. Banjar 7

 Gerund

Subject

A singular Verb is required.

•Growing flowers is her hobby.

Dr. Shadia Y. Banjar 8

Dr. Shadia Y. Banjar 9