What is “subject/verb agreement”?
Making sure that the subject and verb agree in a sentence is important. When they agree correctly they will make the essay or report easier to read and understand. There are a few techniques that will need to be taken to ensure the subject and verb are in agreement.The verb in every independent or dependent clause must agree with its subject in person or number(Butler, et al.143).
The two numbers are:
- singular- indicating one person or thing
- plural- indicating more than one person or thing
For the subject and verb to agree in number singular or plural subjects must have a singular or plural verb (Kirszner and Mandell 240). The subject takes the base form of the verb in all but the third person singular to make the subject and verb agree in person. The subject and verb must comply in number. In third person singular add an s or es to the base form of the verb to make both subject and verb agree.
- Example: The dog jumps the fence.
The subject is: dog The verb is: jumps
- Example: The dogs jump the fence.
The subject is: dogs The verb is: jump
Compound Subjects
"Compound subjects joined by "and" normally require a plural verb" (Butler,et al.144). The only instance when this is not applicable and the subjects are considered singular is when the subjects refer to the same individual or object.
Remember: "Nouns joined by "and" are thought of as a unit or actually refer to the same person or thing, the verb is normally singular" (Butler, et al. 145).
- Example: My friend Jenn and colleague Sarah are going on vacation.
- Example: The restaurant owner and head chef is coming to the party. (referring to the same person, singular)
When compound subjects joined by “or” or “nor”, the verb follows the nearest subject.
- Example: My brother or sister is throwing me a party. (nearest subject, sister, is singular)
- Example: Neither my boss or co-workers are feeling well today. (nearest subject, co-workers, is plural)
Verb Preceding the Subject
Verbs sometimes come before the subject. This change in order can lead to error in agreement (Butler, et al. 144). It is sometimes difficult to remember when the verb comes before the subject. Below you will find some guidelines and examples to help you.
In normal everyday english, verbs precede the subject.
To make questions "Does he?" "Can you?"
After 'so' 'neither', 'nor' "So do I", "Neither do I", "Nor do I"
In written English, as well as in a very formal style, inversion is used in the following cases
After negative adverbial expressions
-Under no circumstances can we accept cheques.
-In no way can he be held responsible.
-At no time did she say'' she would come.
After adverbial expressions of place
"Round the corner came the postman."
Intervening Expressions
Verbs are sometimes separated by words that describe the subject. This can make it difficult to make sure that the subject and verb agree. The key is to make sure that the verb agrees with the subject and not with the word in the modifying phrase.
- Example: The evidence that they submitted to the judge was convincing.
The subject is: evidence
The verb is: was
Verb Agreement with Indefinite Pronouns
"Indefinite pronouns refer to nonspecific persons or things" (Hacker and Sommers 311). A few examples of Indefinite Pronouns are all, anything, neither, somebody, several, both, everyone, etc.
- Example sentences:
Somebody is at the door. ("Somebody" is singular; therefore, the linking verb is "is" instead of "are.")
Both do well at taking tests. ("Both" is plural (referring to more than one); therefore the linking verb is "do" instead of "does.")
External Links
Work Cited
- Butler, Eugenia, et al., Correct Writing. 6th Ed. Lexington: D.C. Heath and Company, 1995.
- Kirszner, Laurie G., and Stephen R. Mandell., The Concise Wadsworth Handbook. Instructor's Ed. Australia: Thomson/Wadsworth, 2005.