Loading NexProTools...
Preparing interactive calculation engine
Preparing interactive calculation engine
Master the 15 essential rules for matching singular and plural subjects with their correct verb forms.
Subject-verb agreement (also known as concord) is a fundamental rule of grammar stating that a verb must agree in number and person with its subject. A singular subject requires a singular verb, while a plural subject requires a plural verb. While this sounds straightforward, English has many complex rules regarding subjects that can confuse learners.
Complications arise when words are placed between the subject and the verb, such as prepositional phrases ('one of the boxes IS...'). Other tricky areas include compound subjects joined by 'and' or 'or', collective nouns that can represent a single unit or multiple individuals, indefinite pronouns, and sentences starting with 'there' or 'here' where the subject follows the verb.
Both the CBSE syllabus and Cambridge standards check subject-verb agreement extensively. Concord errors are among the most common mistakes in student writing and form the core of editing, error correction, and gap-filling questions. Developing a strong eye for identifying the true subject of a sentence is the key to mastering this topic.
All 8 grammar rules for Subject-Verb Agreement
A singular subject takes a singular verb, and a plural subject takes a plural verb. Remember that in the present tense, singular verbs end in '-s' or '-es' (e.g., runs, matches).
Prepositional phrases or clauses that come between the subject and the verb do not change the number of the subject. Ignore these phrases when selecting the verb.
Words joined to a subject by 'with', 'as well as', 'along with', 'together with', 'in addition to', or 'accompanied by' are parenthetical and do not affect the verb's number.
Two or more singular subjects joined by 'and' usually take a plural verb. However, if the nouns express a single collective idea or refer to the same person/thing, use a singular verb.
When two subjects are joined by 'or', 'nor', 'either...or', or 'neither...nor', the verb agrees in number and person with the subject closest to it.
Indefinite pronouns like 'each', 'everyone', 'someone', 'either', 'neither', 'nobody' are singular and require singular verbs.
Collective nouns (jury, team, family, committee) take a singular verb when the group acts as a single unit, and a plural verb when members act individually.
Nouns that are plural in form but singular in meaning (like mathematics, news, measles, athletics) take singular verbs. Nouns like trousers, scissors, spectacles take plural verbs unless preceded by 'a pair of'.
8 worked examples with analysis
The quality of these mangoes is not very good.
The subject is 'quality' (singular), not 'mangoes' (object of preposition). Thus, the singular verb 'is' is correct.
Slow and steady wins the race.
'Slow and steady' represents a single, unified concept (a method), so it takes the singular verb 'wins'.
Either you or he has to clean the blackboard today.
The verb agrees with the closer subject 'he' (singular), so 'has' is correct.
The politician, accompanied by his supporters, is entering the hall.
The phrase starting with 'accompanied by' is parenthetical and does not change the singular subject 'politician'. Use 'is'.
There are several mistakes in your English essay.
In sentences starting with 'there', the verb 'are' agrees with the actual subject 'mistakes' (plural) which follows it.
Each of the keys has a unique code number.
The subject is 'Each' (singular pronoun), so it takes the singular verb 'has'.
The committee meets every Wednesday to discuss progress.
'Committee' is a collective noun acting as a single, unified group. Therefore, it takes the singular verb 'meets'.
The news from the border is highly encouraging.
'News' is an uncountable noun plural in spelling but singular in grammatical number. Use 'is'.
5 common mistakes students make — and how to fix them
One of my friends are visiting us tomorrow.
One of my friends is visiting us tomorrow.
The king with his ministers were present at the court.
The king with his ministers was present at the court.
Neither he nor I are going to participate.
Neither he nor I am going to participate.
Many a student have failed this difficult test.
Many a student has failed this difficult test.
My spectacles is lying on the bed.
My spectacles are lying on the bed.
15 practice questions — fill-blank, MCQ, transform & more
Fill in the blank with is or are.
A group of children ______ playing in the backyard.
Fill in the blank with is or are.
Bread and butter ______ his staple diet.
Fill in the blank with has or have.
Each of the students ______ submitted the report.
Fill in the blank with was or were.
Neither the teacher nor the pupils ______ present in the library.
Fill in the blank with was or were.
The manager, along with his assistants, ______ arrested.
Fill in the blank with is or are.
Physics ______ a difficult subject for many students.
Fill in the blank with has or have.
Two hours ______ passed since he left.
Fill in the blank with is or are.
Ten kilometers ______ a long distance to walk.
Fill in the blank with was or were.
The jury ______ divided in their opinions.
Fill in the blank with is or are.
There ______ a book and two pens on the table.
Fill in the blank with has or have.
Many a student ______ made this mistake before.
Fill in the blank with was or were.
A pair of scissors ______ lying on the floor.
Fill in the blank with singular or plural verb.
All the information ______ (be) correct.
Correct the subject-verb agreement error in the sentence.
The behavior of the children were terrible.
Fill in the blank with the correct present tense verb.
Neither of the plans ______ (work).
Fill in the blank: 'Neither the teacher nor the students ______ present.'
10 key revision points for quick review before exams
A verb must agree in number and person with its grammatical subject.
Singular subjects take singular verbs; plural subjects take plural verbs.
Ignore prepositional phrases between the subject and the verb (e.g., 'one of...').
Parenthetical words (with, as well as, along with) do not alter the subject's number.
Compound subjects joined by 'and' are plural unless they represent a single concept.
With 'or/nor' or 'either/or', the verb agrees with the subject closest to it.
Indefinite pronouns (each, everyone, neither) are singular.
Collective nouns are singular when acting as a unit, plural when members act individually.
Titles of books, names of subjects (Physics), and sums of money/distances take singular verbs.
Nouns like trousers, spectacles, scissors are plural unless preceded by 'a pair of'.
Frequently asked questions about Subject-Verb Agreement