Subject-verb agreement. It’s that grammatical gremlin that can trip up even the most seasoned writers. While it might seem like a minor detail, mastering subject-verb agreement is crucial for clear, professional, and impactful communication. Whether you’re crafting marketing copy, writing academic papers, or simply sending emails, getting your subjects and verbs to agree ensures your message is received loud and clear, building credibility and preventing confusion. Let’s dive into the rules and nuances of this essential grammatical skill.
Understanding Subject-Verb Agreement: The Basics
What is Subject-Verb Agreement?
Subject-verb agreement means that the verb in a sentence must match the number (singular or plural) of its subject. This sounds simple, but it can become tricky with compound subjects, intervening phrases, and indefinite pronouns.
- A singular subject requires a singular verb.
- A plural subject requires a plural verb.
- Example:
- Singular: The dog barks. (Singular subject “dog,” singular verb “barks”)
- Plural: The dogs bark. (Plural subject “dogs,” plural verb “bark”)
Identifying Subjects and Verbs
The first step to mastering subject-verb agreement is correctly identifying the subject and verb in a sentence.
- Subject: The noun or pronoun that performs the action.
- Verb: The action word or state of being.
Sometimes, the subject isn’t immediately obvious. It might be hidden in a phrase or clause.
- Example:
- The student who studies diligently succeeds. (The subject is “student,” not “studies.”)
Common Mistakes and Pitfalls
Many writers, even experienced ones, make common mistakes with subject-verb agreement. Being aware of these potential problems can help you avoid them.
- Intervening Phrases: Phrases that come between the subject and verb don’t affect agreement. Ignore them!
Incorrect: The box of apples are on the table.
Correct: The box of apples is on the table.
- Compound Subjects joined by “and”: Usually require a plural verb.
John and Mary are going to the party.
- Compound Subjects joined by “or” or “nor”: The verb agrees with the subject closest to it.
Neither the students nor the teacher is happy.
Neither the teacher nor the students are happy.
Compound Subjects: Navigating “And,” “Or,” and “Nor”
Subjects Joined by “And”
Generally, two or more subjects joined by “and” take a plural verb.
- The cat and the dog play together.
- Pizza and beer are a perfect combination.
However, there are exceptions:
- When the compound subject refers to a single unit or idea, a singular verb is used.
Macaroni and cheese is my favorite comfort food. (Here, “macaroni and cheese” is treated as one dish.)
The president and CEO is arriving shortly. (One person holds both titles.)
Subjects Joined by “Or” or “Nor”
When subjects are joined by “or” or “nor,” the verb agrees with the subject closest to the verb. This is also known as the Principle of Proximity.
- Either the cat or the dogs are going to get fed. (“Dogs” is closer, so the verb is plural.)
- Either the dogs or the cat is going to get fed. (“Cat” is closer, so the verb is singular.)
- Neither the students nor the teacher is ready for the test.
- Neither the teacher nor the students are ready for the test.
- Tip: To avoid confusion, rephrase the sentence if possible, or place the plural subject closest to the verb.
Using “Each” and “Every”
When “each” or “every” precedes a compound subject, the verb is singular.
- Each cat and dog has its own bowl.
- Every student and teacher is required to attend.
Indefinite Pronouns: Singular or Plural?
Indefinite pronouns refer to nonspecific persons or things. Some are always singular, some are always plural, and some can be either, depending on the context.
Always Singular
These indefinite pronouns always take a singular verb:
- Each
- Everyone
- Everything
- Someone
- Somebody
- Something
- Anyone
- Anybody
- Anything
- No one
- Nobody
- Nothing
- Either
- Neither
- Examples:
- Everyone is welcome.
- Somebody has left their umbrella.
- Neither of the options is suitable.
Always Plural
These indefinite pronouns always take a plural verb:
- Both
- Few
- Many
- Several
- Examples:
- Both are correct.
- Few understand the complexities.
- Many have already left.
Singular or Plural (Context Dependent)
These indefinite pronouns can be singular or plural, depending on the noun they refer to:
- All
- Any
- More
- Most
- None
- Some
- Examples:
- All of the cake is gone. (singular because “cake” is singular)
- All of the cookies are gone. (plural because “cookies” is plural)
- Some of the water was spilled. (singular because “water” is singular)
- Some of the students were absent. (plural because “students” is plural)
- Note: With “none,” the verb choice can be tricky. Traditionally, “none” was considered singular, but it’s increasingly accepted to use a plural verb, especially when it’s clear that “none” refers to a plural noun. None of the tickets were available. or None of the ticket was available.
Collective Nouns: Treating Groups as Singular or Plural
Collective nouns refer to groups of people or things. They can be tricky because they can be treated as singular or plural, depending on whether the group is acting as a single unit or as individual members.
Singular Usage
If the collective noun is acting as a single, unified unit, use a singular verb.
- The team is playing well tonight. (The team as a whole)
- The committee has made its decision. (The committee as a unit)
- The family is going on vacation. (The family as a group)
Plural Usage
If the collective noun refers to the individual members of the group acting separately, use a plural verb. This is less common, but it can happen.
- The team are arguing about who gets the penalty shot. (Individual members are arguing)
- The committee are submitting their individual reports. (Each member is submitting their own report)
- The family are packing their own suitcases. (Each family member is packing individually)
- Tip: Often, it’s clearer to rephrase the sentence to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of “The team are arguing,” you could say “The members of the team are arguing.”
Other Tricky Cases
“There is/are” and “Here is/are”
In sentences beginning with “there is/are” or “here is/are,” the subject follows the verb. The verb must agree with the subject that comes after it.
- There is a book on the table. (“Book” is singular, so “is” is used.)
- There are books on the table. (“Books” is plural, so “are” is used.)
- Here is your coffee.
- Here are your keys.
Titles of Works
Titles of books, movies, and other works of art are generally treated as singular, even if they contain plural words.
- “The Grapes of Wrath” is a classic novel.
- “Friends” is a popular TV show.
Words Expressing Amounts or Quantities
Words like “dollars,” “years,” or “miles” can be singular or plural, depending on how they are being used.
- Five dollars is all I have. (The amount is considered a single unit.)
- Five dollars are scattered on the floor. (Individual dollar bills)
- Ten miles is a long distance to walk.
- The last five years have been challenging.*
Conclusion
Mastering subject-verb agreement is a fundamental skill for effective writing. By understanding the basic principles, recognizing common pitfalls, and paying attention to tricky cases like compound subjects, indefinite pronouns, and collective nouns, you can ensure that your sentences are grammatically correct and your message is clear. Remember to always identify the subject and verb correctly, and make sure they agree in number. Consistent practice and careful proofreading will help you avoid errors and enhance the credibility of your writing.
