Use Subject-verb agreement in English for OET/IELTS/PTE
- Tarun Chawla
- Dec 22, 2024
- 2 min read
Updated: Jan 14
1. Singular Subjects Take Singular Verbs
Rule: When the subject is singular, use a singular verb.
Examples:
The cat runs fast.
She writes every day.
2. Plural Subjects Take Plural Verbs
Rule: When the subject is plural, use a plural verb.
Examples:
The dogs bark loudly.
They play soccer on weekends.
3. Compound Subjects
Joined by "and": Use a plural verb.
Examples:
John and Mary are going to the park.
Books and pens lie on the table.
Joined by "or" or "nor": The verb agrees with the subject closest to it.
Examples:
Neither the teacher nor the students were late.
Either the dogs or the cat is making noise.
4. Indefinite Pronouns
Singular Pronouns: Use singular verbs (e.g., anyone, everyone, someone, each, nobody).
Examples:
Everyone is excited about the trip.
Each of the players has a unique skill.
Plural Pronouns: Use plural verbs (e.g., both, few, many, several).
Examples:
Many were absent today.
Few know the truth.
Pronouns that depend on context (e.g., all, none, some): Match the verb with the noun that follows.
Examples:
All of the cake is gone.
All of the cookies are gone.
5. Collective Nouns
Treated as singular if the group acts as one unit.
Example: The team is winning the match.
Treated as plural if the group acts as individuals.
Example: The team are arguing among themselves.
6. Titles, Names, and Singular Entities
Titles, books, movies, and other singular entities take singular verbs.
Examples:
The Chronicles of Narnia is a great series.
Politics is often debated.
7. Distances, Times, Sums of Money
When considered as a single unit, use a singular verb.
Examples:
Five dollars is enough for lunch.
Ten miles is a long walk.
8. Subjects Starting with "There" or "Here"
The verb agrees with the subject that follows.
Examples:
There is a book on the table.
Here are the keys you were looking for.
9. Gerunds and Infinitives
Gerunds (-ing forms) and infinitives (to + verb) used as subjects take singular verbs.
Examples:
Swimming is good exercise.
To read is to learn.
10. Subjects Separated by Phrases
Ignore phrases or clauses between the subject and verb; the verb agrees with the main subject.
Examples:
The box of chocolates is on the table.
The man, along with his friends, was late.
Subject-Verb Agreement Activity:
(Rule 1: Singular Subjects)The cat ___ (chase/chases) the mouse every morning.
(Rule 2: Plural Subjects)The children ___ (play/plays) outside during recess.
(Rule 3: Compound Subjects)Either the manager or the employees ___ (is/are) responsible for this task.
(Rule 4: Indefinite Pronouns)Everyone ___ (need/needs) to bring their own lunch.
(Rule 5: Collective Nouns)The team ___ (is/are) celebrating its victory tonight.
(Rule 6: Titles and Names)"The Great Gatsby" ___ (is/are) a classic novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald.
(Rule 7: Distances, Time, and Money)Ten kilometers ___ (is/are) a long distance to run.
(Rule 8: Subjects with "There" or "Here")Here ___ (come/comes) the bus and the train.
(Rule 9: Gerunds and Infinitives)To bake cakes ___ (require/requires) patience and precision.
(Rule 10: Phrases Between Subject and Verb)The box of chocolates ___ (was/were) sitting on the counter.
Answer Key
chases
play
is
needs
is
is
is
come
requires
was
Comments