Subjects and verbs should agree, or be equal, to create clear sentences. Subjects and verbs should agree with each other in number (singular or plural) and person (first, second, third). Here are some ways to create agreement with subjects and verbs:
Maintaining the Singular
If a subject is singular, the verb needs to be singular.
The student writes a research paper.
This sentence is in agreement since the subject (the student) is singular, and the verb (writes) is singular.
Indefinite Pronouns
Most indefinite pronouns (anyone, anything, each, either, everyone, everything, neither, nobody, no one, one, somebody, someone, something) are singular subjects and use a singular verb.
Everyone in our class has read the book.
Everything is up for debate.
These sentences are in agreement because the indefinite pronoun (Everyone/Everything) is followed by a singular verb (has read/is).
Maintaining the Plural
If the subject is plural, the verb should be plural.
The students write research papers.
This sentence is in agreement since the subject (the students) is plural, and the verb (write) is plural.
Compound Subject
If the sentence has a compound subject, use a plural verb.
Water and milk are staples of a healthy diet.
While both “water” and “milk” are singular, together they form a compound subject. Accordingly, the plural verb “are” is used.
Separated Subject and Verb
If the subject and verb are separated, the verb should still agree with the subject.
The price of peaches changes depending on the season.
Although the word “peaches” is plural, the subject of this sentence is “price” (singular), so the verb “changes” remains singular.
Collective Noun
If the sentence features a collective noun for the subject, the verb can be singular or plural depending on if the noun refers to the group as a whole or to individual members within the group.
The group meets in the library once a week.
The sentence is in agreement since “the group” is a singular collective noun (meaning “one group”) and “meets” is the singular verb.
The family keep reminding themselves of their progress over the years.
This sentence features the collective noun “family,” but it needs a plural verb (keep) since “themselves” refers to individual family members rather than the family as one unit.
Subject with “Or” / “Nor”
If the subject has two or more singular nouns or pronouns joined by the conjunctions “or” or “nor,” use a singular verb.
The administrator or the principal meets with the students.
This sentence is in agreement since “or” connects two singular nouns (administrator or principal, meaning one or the other meets with students, not both), so a singular verb (“meets”) follows.
Rule of Proximity
If a sentence has both a singular and plural noun or pronouns in the subject joined by “or” or “nor,” the verb should agree with the subject that is closest to the verb.
The teacher or the students present the class discussion.
The students or the teacher presents the class discussion.
The verb form changes to match the subject directly preceding it.
Guide created by: C. Jones 4/13/2021
Revised by: B. McCoid 1/22/2024
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