Subject-Verb Agreement: Meaning, Rules & Examples

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Updated: Jan 24, 2025

Lesson

Proper subject-verb agreement is one of the most fundamental aspects of English grammar. Let's understand it in this lesson.

What Is Subject-Verb Agreement?

Subject-verb agreement (also known as subject-verb concord) is a grammar rule that ensures the subject and verb in a sentence match in number.

A singular subject takes a singular verb.
Example: The cat runs quickly.
A plural subject takes a plural verb.
Example: The cats run quickly.

Take This Quiz :

Concord Quiz | Subject-Verb Agreement MCQ for Grade 10

Rules of Subject-Verb Agreement

Here are the basic subject-verb agreement rules to remember:

Rule 1. Singular Subjects Take Singular Verbs

A singular subject must always pair with a singular verb. This rule ensures that the subject and verb agree in number.

Example: The boy eats his lunch.

Here, "boy" is singular, so the verb "eats" is also singular.

Rule 2. Plural Subjects Take Plural Verbs

A plural subject pairs with a plural verb to maintain agreement.

Example: The boys eat their lunch.

Since "boys" is plural, the verb "eat" reflects this plurality.

Rule 3. Ignore Extra Words Between the Subject and the Verb

Words or phrases inserted between the subject and the verb should not affect the agreement. Focus only on the main subject.

Example: The bird with colorful feathers flies in the sky.

Here, the subject is "bird," which is singular, so the verb "flies" is singular, too.

Rule 4. Subjects Joined by "And" Take a Plural Verb

When two subjects are connected by "and," the verb must be plural because it refers to more than one subject.

Example: John and Sarah play outside.

Both John and Sarah together form a plural subject, so the verb "play" agrees.

Rule 5. Subjects Joined by "Or" or "Nor" Follow the Closest Subject

When subjects are joined by "or" or "nor," the verb agrees with the subject closest to it.

Example: Either the teacher or the students are ready.

(The verb agrees with "students," the nearest subject.)

Example: Neither the boys nor the girl is late.

(The verb agrees with "girl," the nearest subject.)

Rule 6. Indefinite Pronouns Usually Take Singular Verbs

Indefinite pronouns such as "each," "everyone," "nobody," and "someone" are considered singular, so they take singular verbs.

Example: Everyone enjoys the show.

Here, "everyone" is singular, and so is the verb "enjoys."

Rule 7. Collective Nouns Can Be Singular or Plural

Collective nouns like "team," "group," or "family" can take singular or plural verbs depending on whether they act as a unit or as individuals.

Example: The team is winning the match.

(The team acts as a single unit.)

Example: The team are arguing among themselves.

(The team members act as individuals.)

Rule 8. Use Singular Verbs for Uncountable Nouns

Uncountable nouns like "water," "information," or "advice" are treated as singular subjects.

Example: The information is accurate.

Rule 9. Titles and Names of Works Take Singular Verbs

Titles of books, movies, or any creative works are considered singular, even if they sound plural.

Example: "The Chronicles of Narnia" is a popular series.

Understanding these rules helps to answer the question, "What is subject-verb concord?"

Take This Quiz :

Quiz: Can You Ace This Subject-Verb Agreement Rules Test?

Examples of Subject-Verb Agreement

Here are subject-verb agreement examples to make things clearer:

Subject	Verb	Sentence Example
Singular (one person)	Singular verb	The dog barks at strangers.
Plural (many people)	Plural verb	The dogs bark at strangers.
Compound subject	Plural verb	Tom and Jerry are best friends.
Indefinite pronouns	Singular verb	Someone is knocking on the door.
Closest subject rule	Matches subject	Neither the boys nor the girl is tired.