Subject-Verb Agreement

🎯 The Golden Rule

The subject and verb must agree in number - if one is singular, the other must be singular too!

1️⃣

Singular

One subject takes a singular verb
Add -s, -es, or -ies to the verb

She helps the teacher.

The cat studies the bird.

💡 Singular pronoun → singular verb

👥

Plural

Multiple subjects take a plural verb
Keep the base form of the verb

We help the teacher.

The cats study the birds.

💡 Plural pronoun → base verb form

The irregular "be" verb changes its form completely based on the subject.

Unlike regular verbs, "be" has special forms that change dramatically:

The book is heavy. (singular subject → is)

The tools are useful. (plural subject → are)

Remember: I am, you are, he/she/it is, we are, they are

Choose the correct verb form to complete each sentence!

The students _______ hard for the exam.

study

studies

These special situations can trip up even advanced learners!

🔍 Words Between Subject & Verb

Ignore extra words between the subject and verb:

The memory of my grandparents makes me happy.

Subject is "memory" (singular) → "makes"

🤝 Compound Subjects

With "and": Use plural verb

Tom and Jerry are friends.

With "or/nor": Use singular verb

Steak or seafood is fine.

❓ Indefinite Pronouns

"None" can be singular or plural (usually plural):

None of my bags ever arrive on time.

Think of it as "not one" or "not any"

📏 Proximity Rule

Verb agrees with the nearest noun:

One fourth of the classes were canceled.

25% of the class was canceled.

Which sentence uses correct subject-verb agreement?