25/08/2025
SUBJECT-VERB AGREEMENT RULES YOU SHOULD KNOW! 💡
🔹 1. Singular Subject = Singular Verb
He runs every morning. ✅
She likes chocolate. ✅
Rule: If the subject is singular, use a verb with an -s (or -es) in the present tense.
🔹 2. Plural Subject = Plural Verb
They run every morning. ✅
Dogs bark loudly. ✅
Rule: If the subject is plural, use the base form of the verb (no -s).
🔹 3. Subject Joined by 'And' = Plural Verb
Tom and Jerry are friends. ✅
Rule: Two or more subjects joined by “and” take a plural verb.
🔹 4. Subjects Joined by 'Or' or 'Nor'
Either the cat or the dog is outside. ✅
Neither the teacher nor the students are ready. ✅
Rule: The verb agrees with the subject closest to it.
🔹 5. Indefinite Pronouns
Some are singular, some are plural, and some can be both.
Singular: Everyone, someone, each, nobody
→ Everyone is here. ✅
Plural: Few, many, several, both
→ Few have arrived. ✅
Singular or plural (context-based): All, any, none, some
→ Some of the cake is gone. ✅
→ Some of the cookies are gone. ✅
🔹 6. Collective Nouns
The team is winning. ✅ (treated as singular in American English)
The jury are arguing. ✅ (plural usage common in British English)
Rule: In American English, collective nouns are usually singular.
🔹 7. Titles and Names
The United States is a large country. ✅
The Walking Dead is a popular show. ✅
Rule: Treat titles, book names, and country names as singular.
🔹 8. Distances, Time, Money = Singular
Five dollars is enough. ✅
Ten kilometers is far. ✅
🔹 9. There is / There are
There is a book on the table. ✅
There are many books on the shelf. ✅
