SUBJECT-

VERB
AGREEMENT
Write an example sentence using
the first person singular.

Ex. I am _____________.
Write an example sentence using
the second person singular.

Ex. You are_____________.

Write an example sentence using
the third person singular.

Ex. He is _____________.
Write an example sentence using
the second person plural.

Ex. You were _____________.

Write an example sentence using
the first person singular.

Ex. I was_____________.
Write an example sentence using
the third person plural.

Ex. They were _____________.

 Perception copulas (mental
or sensory)
KINDS OF COPULA Change of state copulas

 Perception copulas (mental

or sensory)
State copulas

 State copulas

 Change-of-state copulas
TYPICAL ERRORS

 Sharon live in Seattle

 Harry say he will come.
 Jack cans speak French.
 Jack can speaks French.
 They goes to Valencia City.
 The boys plays basketball often.
 SUBJECT-VERB AGREEMENT RULES
(#1)

Two or more subjects joined by “and” are considered

plural and require a verb form without an “s.”

1. Kadesh and Keilah enjoys watching videos on Youtube.

2. Kadesh and her friends bikes around the campus.
3. My husband and his family always gives generously.
 SUBJECT-VERB AGREEMENT RULES
(#2)

If a subject is modified by the words “each” or “every,” that subject

is singular and will take a verb form that ends in “s.”

1. Each of my students give his or her effort in learning the lesson.

2. Every student study his or her lessons well.
 SUBJECT-VERB AGREEMENT RULES
(#3)

If plural subjects are joined by “or,” “nor,” or “but,” the verb must only
agree with the subject that is closest to it.
1. Kadesh lost some money as a birthday gift during her birthday party.
Either her friend have stolen it, or she have misplaced it.
2. When we confronted her friends, neither of the girls admits that they
stole the money.
 SUBJECT-VERB AGREEMENT RULES
(#4)

Indefinite pronouns are usually singular and take a verb form that
ends in “s.”
1. The retiree village like having potluck.
2. Everyone bring their own food.
3. Everything look so delicious.
 SUBJECT-VERB AGREEMENT RULES
(#5)

The subject of a verb is never in a prepositional or verbal phrase.

Therefore, you must isolate the phrase and find the proper subject.
1. Taking care of plants, with all its expensive trimmings, are
therapeutic to the soul.
2. Growing a cactus, including the pricks from the thorns, are all
part of the therapy.
 SUBJECT-VERB AGREEMENT RULES
(#6)

Some indefinite pronouns and nouns will be singular or plural depending on

the object of the prepositional phrase. These words are always about
number or amount such as: all, half, some, none, most, part, etc.
1. Most of the students is affected by the omicron virus.
2. None of the population are exempted from the virus.
3. Some of them is suffering from cough a fever.
 SUBJECT-VERB AGREEMENT RULES
(#7)

A collective noun, such as family, group, committee, or class, is

the subject, the verb will end in “s.”
1. My family with all my crazy cousins play games during our
reunions.
2. The group always reminisce about the good times with our
grandparents.
 SUBJECT-VERB AGREEMENT RULES
(#8)

A few nouns, such as economics, mumps, measles, or news end in “s” but
are considered singular because if you take the “s” away, they just don’t
make any sense.
1. The news these days have many sad reports as seen online.
2. Politics also show the moral decay of our society.
 SUBJECT-VERB AGREEMENT RULES
(#9)

When the subject is a unit of measurement of time, distance, money,

weight, etc., the unit is considered singular, and the verb will end in
“s.”
1. Ten kilos of rambotan are too little for our family.
2. Four feet of glass sit on our dining area—my husband’s huge
aquarium for his arowana.
 SUBJECT-VERB AGREEMENT RULES
(#10)

In a question or in a sentence that begins with there or

here, the verb will often come before the subject.
1. Here are my heart. I give it to you Lord.
2. There goes my praises and thanks to you.
 SUBJECT-VERB AGREEMENT RULES
(#11)

The verb must agree only with the subject.

1. Our neighbor’s dogs barks very loudly.
2. They often gets lost and the owner calls them back by
whistling.
 SUBJECT-VERB AGREEMENT RULES
(#12)

Gerunds (“ing” words) can be subjects and follow all the same
rules above.
1. Sewing dresses and making bags is my hobbies.
2. Playing basketball and swimming is my forms of exercise.
 SUBJECT-VERB AGREEMENT RULES
(#13)

When using who, that, or which, you must look to the noun these
relative pronouns are referring to in order to determine whether
the subject is singular and will have a verb ending in “s” or is
plural and have a verb without an “s.”
1. Ladies who are not showy online is actually the most
confident.
2. A person who post too many selfies need a load of attention.