Grade 7 English

The Basics of Subject

Verb Agreement
Seatwork Activity
A subject is the main noun or pronoun

in a sentence that performs the action

or is described by the sentence.

 The verb is an action word that

describes what the subject is doing or

what is happening to the subject.

Examples of subject and verb:
1.The cat chased the mouse.
In this sentence, the subject is "the cat"
and the verb is "chased."
2.She sings beautifully.
In this sentence, the subject is "she"
and the verb is "sings."
3. The children play in the park every
afternoon.
In this sentence, the subject is "the
children" and the verb is "play."
4. The wind howls outside.
In this sentence, the subject is "the
wind" and the verb is "howls."
Subject-verb agreement is when the subject and verb
in a sentence agree in number, meaning that a
singular subject takes a singular verb, and a plural
subject takes a plural verb.

"The cat is sleeping" and "The cats are sleeping."

 PART 1:
Subject Verb Agreement

As we have learned in class, the subject and verb of a sentence must agree.
Singular subjects need singular verbs. If you use a plural subject, you need
to use a plural verb.

Let's review this concept by answering the following examples.

QUESTION #1:
Write down the correct verb that agrees with the subject.

My older sister _______ a large collection of vintage

postage stamps.

has have
QUESTION #2:
Write down the correct verb that agrees with the subject.

Vintage postage stamps _______ interesting documents of

how people lived in the past.

is are
QUESTION #3:
Write down the correct verb that agrees with the subject.

Stamp collecting _______ a rare hobby nowadays.

is are
QUESTION #4:
Write down the correct verb that agrees with the subject.

The cat (is, are) sleeping on the couch.

is are
QUESTION #5:
Write down the correct verb that agrees with the subject.

The dogs (bark, barks) at the mailman every day.

QUESTION #6:
Write down the correct verb that agrees with the subject.

The team (is, are) preparing for their big game.

QUESTION #7:
Write down the correct verb that agrees with the subject.

The news (is, are) depressing these days.

QUESTION #8:
Write down the correct verb that agrees with the subject.

The children (enjoys, enjoy) playing with their toys.

QUESTION #9:
Write down the correct verb that agrees with the subject.

The book (is, are) on the table.

QUESTION #10:
Write down the correct verb that agrees with the subject.

The parents (agrees, agree) with the teacher's decision.

QUESTION #11:
Write down the correct verb that agrees with the subject.

The fruit (looks, look) fresh and juicy.

QUESTION #12:
Write down the correct verb that agrees with the subject.

The student (studies, study) for their exams every night.

QUESTION #13:
Write down the correct verb that agrees with the subject.

Everyone (is, are) invited to the party.

KEY:
Write down the correct verb that agrees with the subject.
Answer Key:
1.has
2.are
3.is
4. is
5. bark
6. are
7. is
8. enjoy
9. is
10. agree
11. looks
12. studies
13. is
Instructions: Read each sentence and decide if the verb agrees with
the subject. If the verb is incorrect, write the correct verb form in
the space provided.

1.The dog barks loudly. ________

2. The birds sing sweetly in the morning. ________

3. The children play with their toys every day. ________

Instructions: Read each sentence and decide if the verb agrees with
the subject. If the verb is incorrect, write the correct verb form in
the space provided.

4. The teacher grades the tests carefully. ________

5. The flowers bloom in the spring. ________
6. The student studies for their exams. ________
Instructions: Read each sentence and decide if the verb agrees with
the subject. If the verb is incorrect, write the correct verb form in
the space provided.

7. The books are on the shelf. ________

8.The music sounds beautiful. ________
9. The car drives down the street. ________
10. The pencils are on the desk. ________
 PART 2:
SUBJECT VERB AGREEMENT AND
PREPOSITIONAL PHRASES

At times, one may make the mistake of making the verb "agree" with words
that are not the subject. Be mindful to disregard any prepositional phrase that
comes after the subject. The next few examples focus on cases like this

Supply the correct verb that correctly completes the sentence.

 PART 2:
SUBJECT VERB AGREEMENT AND
PREPOSITIONAL PHRASES

Subject-verb agreement and prepositional phrases are two important aspects of

English grammar that work together to create clear and effective sentences.
While subject-verb agreement focuses on the relationship between the subject
and verb, prepositional phrases provide additional information about the
subject and verb in a sentence.
 SUBJECT VERB AGREEMENT AND
PREPOSITIONAL PHRASES

In order for subject-verb agreement to be maintained, it is important to

consider the effect of prepositional phrases on the subject. For example, a
sentence may have a plural subject, but if the subject is modified by a
prepositional phrase that includes a singular noun, the verb must be singular as
well.
SUBJECT VERB AGREEMENT AND
PREPOSITIONAL PHRASES

For examples:
• The keys to the car are on the table. (Plural subject, plural verb)
• The key to the car is on the table. (Singular subject, singular verb)
 SUBJECT VERB AGREEMENT AND
PREPOSITIONAL PHRASES

It is also important to remember that prepositional phrases can sometimes

come between the subject and verb, making it more difficult to identify the
subject and determine if the verb agrees with it.
 SUBJECT VERB AGREEMENT AND
PREPOSITIONAL PHRASES
For example:
• The books, including the dictionary and the thesaurus, are on the shelf.
(Plural subject, plural verb)

The prepositional phrase "including the dictionary and the thesaurus" separates
the subject from the verb, but it does not change the number of the subject.
QUESTION #1:
Write down the correct verb that agrees with the subject.

Mammals that live in the ocean

_______ dolphins, whales, and
sea otters.

includes include
QUESTION #2:
Write down the correct verb that agrees with the subject.

The number of birds in the Amazon rainforest _______ to

be almost 4000.

is estimated are estimated

QUESTION #3:
Write down the correct verb that agrees with the subject.

The ecosystem of savannahs _______

many threats caused by human activity.

face faces
LET'S CHECK OUR ANSWERS!
4. include
Disregard the phrase "that live in the ocean" so that you are left with the
plural subject "mammals."

5. is estimated
In this example, the subject is the word singular "number," which would
make the corresponding verb singular as well.

6. faces
The word "ecosystem" (and not "savannahs") is singular, which would
make the correct verb "faces."
INSTRUCTIONS: READ EACH SENTENCE AND DECIDE IF THE VERB
AGREES WITH THE SUBJECT. IF THE VERB IS INCORRECT, WRITE THE
CORRECT VERB FORM IN THE SPACE PROVIDED.

• The keys to the car are on the table. ________

2..The key to the lock is missing. ________

3. The flowers in the garden are blooming. ________

 INSTRUCTIONS: READ EACH SENTENCE AND DECIDE IF THE VERB
AGREES WITH THE SUBJECT. IF THE VERB IS INCORRECT, WRITE THE
CORRECT VERB FORM IN THE SPACE PROVIDED.

4. The bird in the cage sings beautifully. ________

5. The books, including the dictionary and the thesaurus,

are on the shelf. ________

6. The toy car and the toy truck are on the floor. ________
 INSTRUCTIONS: READ EACH SENTENCE AND DECIDE IF THE VERB
AGREES WITH THE SUBJECT. IF THE VERB IS INCORRECT, WRITE THE
CORRECT VERB FORM IN THE SPACE PROVIDED.

7. The bag filled with candy is on the couch. ________

8. The shoes by the door are dirty. ________

9. The picture on the wall is beautiful. ________

10. The letters, including the invitation and the thank-you

note, are on the desk. ________
 PART 3:
SUBJECT VERB AGREEMENT AND
LINKING VERBS
Subject-verb agreement and linking
verbs are two important aspects of
English grammar that work together to
create clear and effective sentences.
Subject-verb agreement focuses on the
relationship between the subject and
verb, while linking verbs connect the
subject with a subject complement that
provides more information about the
subject.
Linking verbs, such as "be," "seem,"
"appear," "become," and "stay," do not
express action. Instead, they link the
subject with a subject complement that
provides more information about the
subject. In order to maintain subject-
verb agreement, it is important to
recognize the difference between action
verbs and linking verbs.
 PART 3:
SUBJECT VERB AGREEMENT AND
LINKING VERBS
For examples:
• The pizza smells delicious. (Action verb)
• The pizza is delicious. (Linking verb)

In the first sentence, "smells" is an action verb that agrees with the singular
subject "pizza." In the second sentence, "is" is a linking verb that also agrees
with the singular subject "pizza."
 PART 3:
SUBJECT VERB AGREEMENT AND
LINKING VERBS

It is also important to note that linking verbs do not

change their form, regardless of the subject. For
example:
• The flowers are beautiful. (Plural subject, linking
verb "are")
• The flower is beautiful. (Singular subject, linking
verb "is")
 PART 3:
SUBJECT VERB AGREEMENT AND
LINKING VERBS

When you have a sentence with linking
verbs, the verb should always agree with
the subject--not the predicate
nominative, which is a word or group of
words that completes a linking verb and
renames the subject.
For example, in the sentence "Jane's
grades are a source of disappointment,"
the verb "are" agrees with the plural
"grades," and not the predicate
nominative, "source of disappointment."

Let's test your understanding of this concept. In the next four examples, supply the
appropriate verb that correctly completes the sentence.
QUESTION #1:
Write down the correct verb that agrees with the subject.

The total cost of the party _______ hundreds of dollars

more than the original budget.

was were
QUESTION #2:
Write down the correct verb that agrees with the subject.

The laughter and noise of the guests

_______ a testament to the success of
the party.

was were
QUESTION #3:
Write down the correct verb that agrees with the subject.

The joy of my mom's life _______ her grandchildren, who

were there at the party.

is are
 QUESTION #4:
Write down the correct verb that agrees with the subject.

The yellow roses in the vase _______ a

gift to my mom.

is are
LET'S CHECK OUR ANSWERS!
1. was
In this example, the subject "cost" takes the verb "was."

2. were
The verb "were" agrees with the subject "the laughter and noise of the
guests" --not the predicate nominative "testament."

3. is
The subject "joy" agrees with the singular verb "is."

4. are
The plural subject "roses" takes the verb "are."
INSTRUCTIONS: CHOOSE THE CORRECT VERB THAT AGREES TO
THE SUBJECT.

1. The pizza (smells, smell) delicious. ________

2. The flowers (are, is) beautiful. ________

3. The bird (sings, sing) beautifully. ________

INSTRUCTIONS: READ EACH SENTENCE AND DECIDE IF THE
VERB AGREES WITH THE SUBJECT. IF THE VERB IS INCORRECT,
WRITE THE CORRECT VERB FORM IN THE SPACE PROVIDED.

4. The toy car and the toy truck (seem, seems) like old
friends. ________
5. The picture on the wall (appears, appear) blurry.
________
6. The book (is, are) interesting. ________
INSTRUCTIONS: READ EACH SENTENCE AND DECIDE IF THE
VERB AGREES WITH THE SUBJECT. IF THE VERB IS INCORRECT,
WRITE THE CORRECT VERB FORM IN THE SPACE PROVIDED.

7. The shoes by the door (become, becomes) scuffed easily.

________
8. The keys to the car (are, is) on the table. _______

9. The cake (tastes, taste) sweet. ________

10. The sky (stays, stay) blue all day. ________

You're done reviewing the basics of
Subject Verb Agreement!
Remember that:

Singular subjects are paired with singular verbs, and

plural subjects are paired with plural verbs.

Prepositional phrases can make things seem tricky; it

is good practice to pay no mind to any prepositional
phrases that follow the subject.

For sentences with linking verbs, the verb should

always agree with the subject, and not the predicate
nominative.
 Common Mistakes in
Subject-Verb Agreement
Using a singular verb with a plural subject.

Using a plural verb with a singular subject.

Using a singular verb with an indefinite pronoun

subject.
Indefinite pronouns refer to non-specific people,
places, or things.
Singular Indefinite
Pronouns:

Anybody Everything
Anyone Neither
Anything Nobody
Each No one
Either Nothing
Everybody Somebody
Everyone Someone
Something
 Indefinite pronouns refer to non-specific people,
places, or things.
Plural Indefinite Pronouns: Examples:
Everybody loves pizza. (Here, the subject
Both "everybody" is singular, and the verb "loves" is
Few singular as well, so they agree in number.)
Many
Others Many of the books are missing from the library.
Several (Here, the subject "many of the books" is plural, and
the verb "are" is plural as well, so they agree in
number.)
 USING A SINGULAR VERB WITH
AN INDEFINITE PRONOUN
SUBJECT.

When the subject of a sentence is an indefinite pronoun, such as

"everyone," "someone," or "no one," the verb must agree in
number with the indefinite pronoun. Indefinite pronouns are
usually considered singular, so they take a singular verb.
USING A SINGULAR VERB WITH
AN INDEFINITE PRONOUN
SUBJECT.

For examples:
• Everyone has a right to an education.
• Someone is coming to pick you up.
• No one knows the answer.
 However, there are some indefinite pronouns that can be
either singular or plural, depending on the context. In these
cases, the verb must match the noun that the indefinite
pronoun refers to.
For examples:
• Some of the apples are missing.
• Some of the water is spilled.
Here are some examples of using a singular verb with an
indefinite pronoun subject:
• Everyone has a duty to protect the environment.
• Somebody left their keys on the table.
• Nothing is impossible if you believe in yourself.
• Anybody can make a difference if they try.
• Everybody deserves a second chance.
• Someone is playing the piano beautifully.
• No one knows what the future holds.
• Anyone can learn a new skill with practice.
• Everything is going to be alright.
• Somebody is at the door, can you get it?
Circle the correct verb in each sentence:
• Either my sister or my brother (is, are)
coming with me.
• Each of the cookies (looks, look)
delicious.
• Neither the car nor the bike (is, are)
available.
• Someone (has, have) left their book on the
desk.
II. Fill in the blank with the correct verb
form:
• Everybody __________ (deserves,
deserve) a fair chance.
• Something __________ (is, are) wrong
with the printer.
• No one __________ (knows, know)
what happened.
• Anyone __________ (can, could)
achieve their goals with hard work.
III. Rewrite the sentence to make the verb
agree with the indefinite pronoun subject:
• Neither the cats nor the dog barks at
night.
• Everyone in the team runs fast.
Answers:
• is, looks, is, has
• deserves, is, knows, can
• Neither the cats nor the dog barks at
night.
⚬ Everyone in the team runs fast.
 ADDITIONAL RULES FOR SUBJECT-VERB
AGREEMENT
• A singular subject takes a singular verb.
• A plural subject takes a plural verb.
• The subject and verb must agree in person.
• When a compound subject is joined by "and," use a plural
verb.
• When a compound subject is joined by "or" or "nor," use the
verb form that agrees with the subject closest to the verb.
 The subject and verb must agree in person.

For example:
1.I run every morning. (Here, the subject "I" is first person
singular, and the verb "run" is first person singular as well, so
they agree in person.)
2.They walk to school every day. (Here, the subject "they" is
third person plural, and the verb "walk" is third person plural as
well, so they agree in person.)
3.She studies for her exams every evening. (Here, the subject
"she" is third person singular, and the verb "studies" is third
person singular as well, so they agree in person.)
 When a compound subject is joined by "and,"
use a plural
1.John and Sarah are going to the movies. (Here, the compound
subject "John and Sarah" is plural, and the verb "are going" is
plural as well, so they agree.)
2.The dog and the cat chase each other around the yard. (Here,
the compound subject "the dog and the cat" is plural, and the
verb "chase" is plural as well, so they agree.)
3.The team and the coach win the championship. (Here, the
compound subject "the team and the coach" is plural, and the
verb "win" is plural as well, so they agree.)
WHEN A COMPOUND SUBJECT IS JOINED
BY "OR" OR "NOR," USE THE VERB FORM
THAT AGREES WITH THE SUBJECT
CLOSEST TO THE VERB.
• Neither the cat nor the dogs are barking.
• Either the blue pen or the red pens are missing.
For examples: In both examples, the verb agrees with the
subject closest to it, which is either "cat" or "red
pens."

It's important to note that when the subjects are different in number, you should
use the form of the verb that matches the subject closest to it. This rule applies
regardless of whether the subjects are joined by "or" or "nor."
Here are some sample sentences that demonstrate the use of a verb
form that agrees with the subject closest to it when a compound
subject is joined by "or" or "nor":

• Neither the cat nor the dogs are barking.

• Either the blue pen or the red pens are missing.
• Neither the teacher nor the students know the answer.
• Either the book or the magazines are on the shelf.
• Neither the coffee nor the tea is hot enough.
Here are some sample sentences that demonstrate the use of a verb form that
agrees with the subject closest to it when a compound subject is joined by "or" or
"nor":

6. Either the bananas or the apples are ripe.

7. Neither the movie nor the music is interesting.
8. Either the flowers or the trees are blooming.
9. Either the night nor the day is long enough.
10. Either the students or the teacher is responsible for the
project.
 Circle the correct verb in each sentence:
• Neither the cat nor the dogs (is, are) barking.
• Either the blue pen or the red pens (is, are)
missing.
• Neither the teacher nor the students (knows,
know) the answer.
• Either the book or the magazines (is, are) on
the shelf.
II. Fill in the blank with the correct verb form:
• Neither the coffee nor the tea __________ (is,
are) hot enough.
• Either the bananas or the apples __________
(is, are) ripe.
• Neither the movie nor the music __________
(is, are) interesting.
• Either the students or the teacher __________
(is, are) responsible for the project.
III. Rewrite the sentence to make the verb agree
with the subject closest to it:
• Neither the cat nor the dogs is barking.
• Either the blue pen or the red pens is missing.
 Answers:
• are, are, know, are
• is, are, is, is
• Neither the cat nor the dogs are barking.
• Either the blue pen or the red pens are missing.
 EXCEPTIONS TO THE RULES
• Collective nouns, such as "team" or "group," may be
either singular or plural depending on the context.
• Singular indefinite pronouns, such as "everyone" or
"someone," always take a singular verb.
• Some nouns, such as "news" or "gymnastics," may
be either singular or plural depending on the context.
 COLLECTIVE NOUNS, SUCH AS "TEAM" OR
"GROUP," CAN BE EITHER SINGULAR OR
PLURAL DEPENDING ON THE CONTEXT IN
WHICH THEY ARE USED.
• The team is playing well today. (Singular)
• The team members are having a meeting to discuss strategy. (Plural)
• The group has decided to take a break. (Singular)
• The group of tourists are taking pictures. (Plural)
• The committee is considering several proposals. (Singular)
• The committee members are divided in their opinions. (Plural)
• The staff is working hard to meet the deadline. (Singular)
• The staff members are taking turns to cover the front desk. (Plural)
 Circle the correct verb in each sentence:
• The team (is, are) playing well today.
• The team members (is, are) having a meeting to
discuss strategy.
• The group (has, have) decided to take a break.
• The group of tourists (is, are) taking pictures.
 II. Fill in the blank with the correct verb form:
• The committee __________ (is, are) considering
several proposals.
• The staff __________ (is, are) working hard to meet
the deadline.
• The class __________ (is, are) learning about
collective nouns.
• The orchestra __________ (is, are) rehearsing for the
concert.
III. Rewrite the sentence to make the verb agree with
the context in which the collective noun is used:
• The team are playing well today.
• The team members is having a meeting to discuss
strategy.
 • is, are, has, are
• is, is, is, is
• The team is playing well today.
⚬ The team members are having a meeting to
discuss strategy.
 Some nouns, such as
"news" or "gymnastics,"
may be either singular or
plural depending on the
context.
 Subject Verb Agreement

As we have learned in class, the subject and verb of a sentence must agree.
Singular subjects need singular verbs. If you use a plural subject, you need
to use a plural verb.

Let's review this concept by answering the following examples.

 News:
• The news is bad. (Singular)
• The latest news are encouraging. (Plural)

Gymnastics:
• Gymnastics is a popular sport. (Singular)
• The gymnastics team are preparing for their
competition. (Plural)
 Physics:
• Physics is a difficult subject. (Singular)
• The physics experiments are fascinating. (Plural)

Mathematics:
• Mathematics is a universal language. (Singular)
• The mathematics problems are challenging. (Plural)
 • Politics:
• Politics is a messy business. (Singular)
• The politics of the situation are complicated. (Plural)
Instructions: Read each sentence and determine if the noun is
singular or plural. Write "S" for singular and "P" for plural.

1. The news is depressing. ________

2. The physics experiments are fascinating. ________
3. The gymnastics routine was impressive. ________
4. Mathematics is a universal language. ________
Instructions: Read each sentence and determine if the noun is
singular or plural. Write "S" for singular and "P" for plural.

5. The politics of the situation are complicated. ________

6. The economics of the project are sound. ________
7. The athletics competition was intense. ________
Instructions: Read each sentence and determine if the noun is
singular or plural. Write "S" for singular and "P" for plural.

8. The statistics show a clear trend. ________

9. The optics of the situation are not favorable. ________
10. The ethics of the matter are questionable. ________
key

1. S
2. P
3. S
4. S
5. P
6. P
7. S
8. S
9. P
10. P