Subject-verb agreement means the verb must match its subject in number. A singular subject takes a singular verb, and a plural subject takes a plural verb. It sounds simple, but it causes many mistakes in exams and everyday writing.
This guide explains the basic rule, then walks through the tricky cases one by one: compound subjects, either/or, indefinite pronouns, collective nouns and more. Practice questions with answers are at the end.
The Basic Rule
- Singular subject + singular verb: The boy plays cricket.
- Plural subject + plural verb: The boys play cricket.
In the present simple, singular verbs (with he, she, it) usually end in -s. Plural verbs do not. This is the opposite of nouns, where plurals add -s.
Be, Have and Do
| Subject | be | have | do |
|---|---|---|---|
| I | am / was | have | do |
| he / she / it | is / was | has | does |
| you / we / they | are / were | have | do |
Tricky Cases
1. Words Between the Subject and Verb
Ignore phrases that come between them. Find the real subject.
- The box of chocolates is on the table. (subject: box)
- The students in the back row are noisy.
2. Compound Subjects With “And”
Two subjects joined by and usually take a plural verb: Rahim and Karim are brothers.
Exception: when both words mean one thing: Bread and butter is my breakfast.
3. Either/Or and Neither/Nor
The verb agrees with the subject closer to it.
- Neither the teacher nor the students were ready.
- Either the students or the teacher is wrong.
4. Indefinite Pronouns
- Always singular: everyone, someone, anyone, no one, nobody, each, every, either, neither. Everyone is here.
- Always plural: both, few, many, several. Both are correct.
- Depends on the noun: all, some, most, none. Some of the cake is left. Some of the cakes are left.
5. Collective Nouns
Words like team, family, class, committee usually take a singular verb when the group acts as one: The team is winning. British English sometimes uses a plural verb: The team are arguing among themselves. Learn more about such differences in British vs American grammar.
6. There Is / There Are
The verb agrees with the noun that comes after it: There is a pen. There are two pens.
7. Amounts, Time and Money
These take a singular verb when seen as one total: Ten years is a long time. Five hundred taka is enough.
8. Nouns That Look Plural
- News, mathematics, physics take singular verbs: The news is good.
- Scissors, trousers, glasses take plural verbs: My glasses are broken.
9. “The Number” vs “A Number”
- The number of students is growing. (singular)
- A number of students are absent. (plural)
10. One of the…
One of my friends lives in Chattogram. The subject is one, so the verb is singular.
Practice
- Each of the boys (has / have) a bicycle.
- My friends and I (is / are) going out.
- Neither the cat nor the dogs (was / were) hungry.
- Physics (is / are) my favourite subject.
- There (is / are) many books on the shelf.
- A number of people (was / were) waiting.
Answers: 1. has 2. are 3. were 4. is 5. are 6. were
For more practice, see our English grammar quiz, and review the 12 English tenses so you choose the right verb form every time.
Free Resources
The British Council’s LearnEnglish grammar section has lessons on verbs and agreement. Purdue OWL’s grammar guide includes a clear page on subject-verb agreement, and its grammar exercises let you test yourself.
Final Thoughts
Find the real subject, decide if it is singular or plural, and choose the matching verb. Watch out for words between the subject and verb, either/or sentences, indefinite pronouns and collective nouns. With a little practice, agreement errors will disappear from your writing.
