Transcript What is subject–verb agreement?

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What is
subject–verb
agreement?
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A verb must “agree” with its subject.
This means they must have matching number
(singular or plural) and person (1st, 2nd or 3rd person).
They
is waiting
am waiting
are waiting
The subject is plural and in the third person
(talking about someone or something), so the
verb must also be plural and in the third person.
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It’s usually easy to make subjects and verbs
agree, but the verb to be can be tricky.
Complete the table so that the verbs agree
with their subjects.
singular
first person
present tense
past tense
present tense past tense
I am
I was
we are
we were
you were
you are
you were
second person you are
third person
plural
he/she/it/ is
he/she/it/was they are
they were
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A verb should agree with its subject,
not with a word that comes between them.
disappears
A box of my favourite chocolates disappear quickly.
The subject is the
singular box, not
chocolates, so the
verb must be singular.
Some subjects sound plural
but are singular.
is
Politics are a messy business.
Treat most indefinite pronouns as singular subjects.
was
Everybody who wanted to go were given a ticket.
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Singular subjects joined by and
need a plural verb.
Saba and Rana are great friends.
But if the subject begins with each
or every, use a singular verb.
Every player, coach and official
is expected to attend.
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Singular subjects joined by or, either … or
or neither … nor need a singular verb.
Saba or Rana has the answer.
But if one of the subjects is plural, use a plural verb.
Either the teacher or her students have left the door open.
When the subject is a collective noun, treat it as
singular unless its meaning is obviously plural.
The crowd is restless.
The crowd are arguing among themselves.
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Choose verbs to agree with their subjects.
The cows in the bottom paddock need/needs to be milked.
Navin, as well as the other musicians, has/have a
great technique.
Everyone is/are welcome to come.
On top of the hill is/are an old tree and a stockyard.
Neither Ace nor Basco deliver/delivers on weekends.
Each of the latest winners receives/receive a medal.
Daniel’s family love/loves to play pranks.
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• A verb must “agree” with its subject. This means
they must have matching number (singular or
plural) and person (1st, 2nd or 3rd person).
• Singular subjects joined by and need a plural verb.
• Singular subjects joined by or, either … or or
neither … nor need a singular verb.
• When the subject is a collective noun, treat it as
singular unless its meaning is obviously plural.
• Treat most indefinite pronouns as singular
subjects.
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