GRAMMARSUBJECT-VERB AGREEMENT

Subject – Verb Agreement

We agree

RULE # 1

• A SINGULAR SUBJECT is always followed by a SINGULAR VERB

• Examplesa. He is going to Hong Kong Next week.b. The lady does not own a car.c. The cat was under the table just now.d. A durian has many thorns.

RULE # 2

• A PLURAL SUBJECT is always followed by a PLURAL VERB.

• Examples a. The rooms are big and clean.b. We have no interest in joining the club.c. They do not like eating durians.d. Ali and Alan were not given any coupons.

RULE # 3

• Use SINGULAR VERBS when ABSTRACT and UNCOUNTABLE NOUNS are used.

• Examplesa. Honesty is the best policy.b. Rain comes from clouds.

RULE # 4

• A VERB must agree with its SUBJECT and not the NOUN before it.

• Examplesa. One of the boys has stolen the books.b. All the books do not have covers.c. The price of the cars is too expensive.

RULE # 5

• A COLLECTIVE NOUN which is considered as a whole uses a SINGULAR VERB.

• Examplesa. Our school field is big.b. My class does not go to the exhibition.c. The hockey team has lost the game.d. A swarm of bees was seen in the hut.

RULE # 6

• A PLURAL VERB is used when a COLLECTIVE NOUN refers to individuals within the group.

• Examplesa. The audience are clapping their hands.b. The crew were not able to finish the work.c. The staff have not given me their names.

RULE # 7

• When TWO SINGULAR or PLURAL SUBJECTS are joined by AND, the PLURAL VERB is used.

• Examplesa. Zee and Avi are good friends.b. The students and their teacher have taken

their dinner.c. the cats and dogs were fighting.

RULE #8

• When ‘either….or’ or ‘neither…nor’ is used, the verb must agree with the subject before it.

(plural verb always)

RULE #8

• Examplesa. Either Abu or Abdul has to pay for the food.b. Either the boy or the girls have your book.c. Neither the doctors nor the nurse is in the

room.d. Neither Salem nor his friends were present at

the party.