Bite Size Grammar Tip: Subject Verb Agreement

What is Subject-Verb Agreement?

A singular subject involves one noun/pronoun such as an object or a person. For example, “a chocolate cake” or “a tired student.” A plural subject involves more than one noun/pronoun such as an object or a person. For example, “some sharpened pencils” or “the tired college students.” A singular subject must agree with a singular verb and similarly, a plural subject must agree with a plural verb.

Example:

A sentence with a singular subject must take a singular verb: “The tired student discovers an uneaten chocolate cake in the kitchen.” The singular subject student pairs up with the singular verb discovers.

 A sentence with a plural subject must take a plural verb: “The tired college students sharpen their pencils.” The plural subject students pair up with the plural verb sharpen.

 Compound Subjects and Verb Agreements

In sentences that involve compound subjects, which are sentences that have more than one subject and contains a conjunction such as the word and, the verb should align with the plural form.

Example:

A sentence with compound subjects must take a plural verb: “The tired students and their friends devour the chocolate cake.” The compound subject students and friends pair up with the plural verb devour.

Checking for Subject-Verb Agreement:

Here are a few quick steps to ensure that you are adhering to the grammatical rules for subject-verb agreements:

• Locate the subject(s) in the sentence.
• Circle the noun(s) or pronoun(s) that embody the subject.
• Underline the verb.
• Check to ensure that the subject(s) and the verb match in form.