SUBJECT VERB AGREEMENT

Definition:

Subject-verb agreement is a grammatical concept that refers to the need for the subject and the verb
in a sentence to agree in number. In other words, if the subject is singular, the verb must also be
singular, and if the subject is plural, the verb must be plural.

Rules:

1. Singular Subjects: A singular subject requires a singular verb. Example: "The cat “is” sleeping."

2. Plural Subjects: A plural subject requires a plural verb. Example: "The cats “are” sleeping."

3. Compound Subjects: When two or more subjects are joined by "and," use a plural verb. Example:
"Tom and Jerry “are” friends."

4. Collective Nouns: Treat collective nouns as singular when they refer to a group as a whole, and as
plural when they refer to individual members. Example: "The team “is” winning. The team “are”
celebrating."

5. Indefinite Pronouns: Some indefinite pronouns are singular (e.g., everyone, somebody) and
require a singular verb; others are plural (e.g., all, many) and require a plural verb. Example:
"Everybody “wants” to succeed."

6. Intervening Phrases: Be cautious of phrases that come between the subject and verb; they do not
affect the agreement. Example: "The group of students “is” presenting today."

Examples:

1. Incorrect: "The team are playing well."

Correct: "The team is playing well."

2. Incorrect: "Each of the books were interesting."

Correct: "Each of the books was interesting."

3. Incorrect: "Neither of them are coming to the party."

Correct: "Neither of them is coming to the party."

Exercise:

Identify and correct the subject-verb agreement errors in the following sentences:

1. "The pack of wolves were roaming the forest."

2. "Either of the options are suitable for me."

3. "My brother and sister is fond of playing chess."

4. "Many of the students in the class don't understand the assignment."

5. "There's a pen and a notebook on the desk."

Answers:

1. "The pack of wolves “was” roaming the forest."

2. "Either of the options “is” suitable for me."

3. "My brother and sister “are” fond of playing chess."

4. "Many of the students in the class “don't” understand the assignment." (Note: "many" is plural, so
the verb remains plural)

5. "There “is” a pen and a notebook on the desk."