Subject-Verb Agreement is a core concept in English grammar that ensures the verb in a sentence corresponds correctly with the subject in terms of number (singular or plural). It's a basic but crucial rule—violating it makes sentences sound awkward or incorrect.
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A singular subject takes a singular verb.
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A plural subject takes a plural verb.
Understanding this rule helps create grammatically correct and clear sentences, which is essential for competitive exams and professional communication.
🔷 Basic Rules of Subject-Verb Agreement
🔹 Singular and Plural Subjects
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✅ She writes poems.
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✅ They write poems.
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❌ She write poems.
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❌ They writes poems.
🔹 Compound Subjects Joined by “and”
When two subjects are joined by "and", use a plural verb.
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✅ Rita and Rani are playing.
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✅ The manager and the assistant have arrived.
Exception: If both subjects refer to the same person or thing, use a singular verb.
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✅ My friend and guide is here. (One person, two roles)
🔹 Subjects Joined by “or”, “nor”, “either…or”, “neither…nor”
The verb agrees with the subject closest to it.
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✅ Neither the boys nor the teacher is available.
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✅ Either the manager or the workers are at fault.
🔹 Indefinite Pronouns
Some pronouns are always singular, others plural, and some depend on context.
✅ Singular Indefinite Pronouns
| Pronoun | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| Each | Each of the players is ready. |
| Neither | Neither of the answers is correct. |
| Someone | Someone has called you. |
| Anybody | Anybody is welcome to join. |
✅ Plural Indefinite Pronouns
| Pronoun | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| Few | Few have arrived on time. |
| Many | Many were absent yesterday. |
| Several | Several have applied. |
| Both | Both are willing to help. |
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All, some, none, any, most
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Example:
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Some of the water is wasted. (Uncountable – singular)
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Some of the players are injured. (Countable – plural)
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🔹 Collective Nouns
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Treated as singular when acting as a unit:
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✅ The committee has decided.
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Treated as plural when individuals are emphasized:
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✅ The committee have given their opinions.
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🔹 Time, Money, Distance, and Measurements
Even if they appear plural, these are treated as singular units when referring to a total amount.
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✅ Ten rupees is not enough.
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✅ Five kilometers is a long distance.
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✅ Two hours is sufficient.
🔹 Titles and Names of Entities
Titles of books, countries, organizations—even if they sound plural—are treated as singular.
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✅ The United Nations is headquartered in New York.
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✅ The Chronicles of Narnia is a popular book series.
🔹 Sentences Beginning with “There” or “Here”
The verb agrees with the actual subject, which follows the verb.
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✅ There is a pen on the table.
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✅ There are two dogs outside.
🔹 Fractions and Percentages
Depends on the object of the preposition ("of").
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✅ 50% of the cake is gone.
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✅ 50% of the students are absent.
🔹 Plural Nouns with Singular Meaning
Some nouns look plural but are treated as singular.
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✅ Mathematics is interesting.
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✅ News is important.
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✅ Politics is complicated.
🟩 Practice Questions with Answers and Explanations
🔸 Question 1
Each of the boys ____ given a prize.
A) were
B) are
C) is
D) have
✅ Correct Answer: C) is
Explanation: “Each” is a singular pronoun, so the verb must be singular.
🔸 Question 2
The team ____ divided in its opinion.
A) is
B) are
C) has
D) have
✅ Correct Answer: B) are
Explanation: “The team” here refers to individuals within the group, hence plural.
🔸 Question 3
Neither my parents nor my brother ____ coming to the event.
A) are
B) is
C) were
D) have
✅ Correct Answer: B) is
Explanation: The verb agrees with the closest subject, “brother” (singular).
🔸 Question 4
Five miles ____ a long walk.
A) is
B) are
C) were
D) have
✅ Correct Answer: A) is
Explanation: Distance is treated as a single unit, so the verb is singular.
🔸 Question 5
Either Rina or her friends ____ going to the party.
A) is
B) was
C) are
D) has
✅ Correct Answer: C) are
Explanation: The nearest subject “friends” is plural, so the verb must be plural.
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