What is “subject/verb agreement”?

From LitWiki

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.

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 singular or plural subjects, they must have a singular or plural verb [1]. 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 the 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

Eugenia Butler states in her book Correct Writing, "Compound subjects joined by "and" normally require a plural verb" [2]. 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".

  • 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. 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, the verb precedes the subject is 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.
  • On the doorstep was a bunch of flowers.


After 'seldom', 'rarely', 'never', in comparisons :

  • Seldom have I seen such a beautiful view.
  • Rarely did he pay anyone a compliment.
  • Never had I felt so happy.


After 'hardly', 'scarcely', 'no sooner', when one thing happens after another. :

  • Hardly had I begun to speak when I was interrupted.
  • Scarcely had we started our meal our meal when the phone rang.
  • No sooner had I arrived than they all started to argue.


After adverbial expressions beginning with 'only' :

  • Only after the meeting did I realize the importance of the subject.


After exclamations with 'here' and 'there' :

  • Here comes the winner!
  • There goes all our money!

Intervening Expressions

An intervening expression is an expression that describes the subject and should not affect the verb. These expressions are often mistaken for being the subject of the sentence. 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" [3]. Some of these indefinite pronouns are always singular or always plural. But some can change their number—they can be either singular or plural, depending on the context.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

References

  1. ↑ Kirszner, Laurie G., and Stephen R. Mandell., The Concise Wadsworth Handbook. Instructor's Ed. Australia: Thomson/Wadsworth, 2005, p.240. [1]
  2. ↑ Butler, Eugenia, et al., Correct Writing. 6th Ed. Lexington: D.C. Hath and Company, 1995, p.143-145. [2]
  3. ↑ Hacker, Diana. A Writer's Reference. New York, Boston: Bedford/St.Martin’s, 2003. [3]
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