Download Subject-Verb Agreement Tips

Subject-Verb Agreement Tips
The General Rule
The subject of a sentence should always agree with its verb in number and person. Add an “s” to the verb if the
subject is third-person singular (he, she, it, they, Martha, Sam, etc.). Do not add an “s” if the subject is plural.
Example: The family cat loves to be around the newborn baby. (Add “s”)
Example: The family cats love to be around the newborn baby. (Don’t add “s”)
However, the General Rule does not apply all the time. Refer to the following Top 7 Tips if you get stuck:
1. Subjects that are joined by “and”
Two subjects that are joined by “and” usually take plural verbs. Therefore, do not add “s” to the verb.
Example: Rock climbing and step aerobics are my favorite cardio exercises.
2. Subjects that are joined by “neither…nor” and “either…or”
When two subjects are joined by these words, the verb agrees with the subject closest to it.
Example: Neither the teacher nor the students want to eliminate the school’s recycling program.
Example: Neither the students nor the teacher wants to eliminate the school’s recycling program.
3. Singular nouns ending in “s” that are not plural
Some nouns that end in “s” are singular subjects: physics, economics, news, athletics. Use a singular verb.
Example: Physics was Dustin’s favorite subject in high school.
4. Collective nouns
Use a singular verb with a collective noun, such as team, family, class, union, army, committee.
Example: My family loves to go bowling every weekend.
5. Words that come in between subject and verb
The words that come in between the subject and verb should not affect subject-verb agreement.
Example: The new condos on Euclid Avenue, along with the work lofts, are for sale.
6. Reversed word order
Typically, the verb follows the subject in a sentence. When the order is reversed, identify the subject so
that you know what verb to use.
Example: There is a paycheck waiting for you in the Human Resources office.
(Hint: Think of it as, “A paycheck is waiting for you in the Human Resources office.”)
7. Titles of works, organizations, and businesses
Even if the titles and names are plural in form, use a singular verb.
Example: The Whole Foods Market chain specializes in natural products and organic produce.