Subject-Verb Agreement: Rules & Tricky Cases Explained
Subject-verb agreement means the subject and verb in a sentence must match in number — singular subjects take singular verbs, plural subjects take plural verbs. While this sounds straightforward, certain situations can be confusing. This guide covers the rules and the tricky cases that often trip people up.
The Basic Rule
A singular subject takes a singular verb. A plural subject takes a plural verb. In the present tense, singular verbs typically end in -s or -es, while plural verbs do not.
The cat runs fast. (singular)
The cats run fast. (plural)
Compound Subjects
When two or more subjects are joined by and, the subject is typically plural and takes a plural verb.
The dog and the cat play together.
However, if the compound subject is considered a single unit or refers to the same person, use a singular verb.
Peanut butter and jelly is my favorite sandwich. (single unit)
The founder and CEO speaks at the event. (same person)
Compound Subjects with Or or Nor
When subjects are joined by or or nor, the verb agrees with the subject closest to it.
Either the teacher or the students are wrong. (plural subject closest)
Either the students or the teacher is wrong. (singular subject closest)
Collective Nouns
Collective nouns (team, family, audience, committee, crowd, group, jury) can be tricky. In American English, collective nouns are usually treated as singular. In British English, they can be singular or plural depending on whether the group is acting as a unit or as individuals.
The team is playing well. (American English — singular)
The team are arguing among themselves. (British English — plural for individuals)
Indefinite Pronouns
Most indefinite pronouns are singular: everyone, someone, anyone, no one, everybody, somebody, anybody, nobody, each, either, neither, nothing, something, anything, everything.
Everyone is invited.
Each of the students has a book.
Some indefinite pronouns are always plural: both, few, many, several.
Both are correct.
Some can be either, depending on the noun they refer to: all, some, most, none, any.
All of the cake is gone. (uncountable — singular)
All of the cookies are gone. (countable — plural)
Interrupting Phrases
Phrases that come between the subject and verb don't affect agreement. Ignore prepositional phrases like "along with," "together with," "as well as," "in addition to," "including," and "accompanied by."
The teacher, along with her students, is attending. (subject is "teacher" — singular)
The box of chocolates is on the table. (subject is "box" — singular)
Titles and Names
Titles of books, movies, and organizations are always singular, even if they contain plural words.
The Lord of the Rings is a classic.
The United States is a large country.
Amounts and Measurements
When referring to a sum of money, period of time, or measurement as a single unit, use a singular verb.
Ten dollars is too much.
Three miles is a long walk.
Subjects After the Verb
In sentences beginning with there or here, the subject comes after the verb. The verb still agrees with the subject.
There is a book on the table. (singular subject: book)
There are several books on the table. (plural subject: books)
Practice Your Grammar Skills
Writing with correct subject-verb agreement takes practice. Use our free word counter to track your writing and review your sentences for agreement errors. Reading your work aloud helps you hear when a subject and verb don't match.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an example of subject-verb agreement?
"The dog runs" (singular) vs "The dogs run" (plural). The verb changes to match the number of the subject.
Do you use is or are with a collective noun?
In American English, use a singular verb with collective nouns: "The team is winning." In British English, it depends on context.
What verb goes with "everyone"?
Singular. "Everyone is" is correct, even though everyone refers to multiple people.