Subject-Verb Agreement is a fundamental grammar rule that ensures the subject and verb in a sentence match in number (singular or plural). For intermediate learners, mastering this concept is essential for constructing grammatically correct sentences and improving fluency. Here’s a detailed guide:
What Is Subject-Verb Agreement?
Subject-Verb Agreement means that the verb must agree with the subject in number and person.
- Singular Subject: Takes a singular verb.
- Example: She walks to school.
- Plural Subject: Takes a plural verb.
- Example: They walk to school.
Rules for Subject-Verb Agreement
- Basic Rule: Singular subjects take singular verbs, and plural subjects take plural verbs.
- Examples:
- The dog runs fast. (Singular)
- The dogs run fast. (Plural)
- Examples:
- Subjects Joined by “And”: Use a plural verb.
- Example: Tom and Jerry are best friends.
- Subjects Joined by “Or” or “Nor”: The verb agrees with the subject closest to it.
- Examples:
- Either the teacher or the students are responsible.
- Neither the students nor the teacher is responsible.
- Examples:
- Indefinite Pronouns: Words like everyone, someone, nobody take singular verbs.
- Example: Everyone is excited.
- Collective Nouns: Words like team, family, group take singular verbs when acting as a unit but plural verbs when acting as individuals.
- Examples:
- The team is winning. (Unit)
- The team are arguing among themselves. (Individuals)
- Examples:
- Phrases Between Subject and Verb: Ignore phrases like along with, as well as, besides and focus on the subject.
- Example: The politician, along with his aides, is speaking.
- Titles and Names: Titles of books, movies, or other works take singular verbs.
- Example: “The Lord of the Rings” is a popular movie.
Why Is Subject-Verb Agreement Important for Intermediate Learners?
- Clarity: It ensures your sentences are clear and easy to understand.
- Grammar Foundation: It builds a strong base for constructing complex sentences.
- Improve Speaking Skills: Using correct subject-verb agreement makes your speech sound natural when you speak English.
Exercises for Intermediate Learners
- Fill-in-the-Blanks
Complete the sentences with the correct verb form:- The cat _____ (run/runs) across the yard.
- Neither the students nor the teacher _____ (is/are) responsible.
- Everyone _____ (enjoy/enjoys) the party.
- Error Correction
Find and fix the mistakes in these sentences:- The dogs runs fast. → _____
- Either the teacher or the students is responsible. → _____
- The team are winning the match. → _____
- Match the Subject and Verb
Match the subject in Column A with the correct verb in Column B:
| Column A | Column B |
|---|---|
| The book | is interesting. |
| The children | play in the park. |
| Neither John nor his friends | are coming to the party. |
- Speaking Practice
Create five sentences using different rules of subject-verb agreement and say them aloud. Examples:- “The dog runs fast.”
- “Tom and Jerry are best friends.”
- Creative Writing Task
Write a short paragraph (5-6 sentences) using a variety of subjects and verbs. Example:- “The teacher, along with her students, is preparing for the competition. Everyone is excited about the event. Tom and Jerry are working on their project together. Neither the students nor the teacher is worried about the deadline.”
Advanced Exercises for Subject-Verb Agreement
- Fill-in-the-Blanks
Complete the sentences with the correct verb form:- Neither the boys nor the girl _____ (is/are) ready for the test.
- The flock of birds _____ (fly/flies) across the sky.
- Everyone _____ (know/knows) the answer to that question.
- Error Correction
Identify and fix the mistakes in these sentences:- The books on the shelf is very old. → _____
- Neither the teacher nor the students are in the classroom. → _____
- A team of scientists are studying the new species. → _____
- Choose the Correct Verb
Select the correct verb form for each sentence:- The group _____ (is/are) going to present their findings tomorrow.
- Either the cat or the dogs _____ (is/are) making noise outside.
- The committee _____ (is/are) discussing the budget proposal.
- Speaking Practice
Create five sentences with varied subjects (singular, plural, collective nouns) and say them aloud. Examples:- “The student writes her homework every evening.”
- “The family is planning their vacation this summer.”
- Creative Writing Task
Write a short paragraph (5-6 sentences) showcasing your understanding of subject-verb agreement. Example:- “The class, along with their teacher, is organizing a cultural event. Tom and Jerry are working on decorations, while Anna is preparing a speech. The audience, which includes parents and friends, is eagerly waiting for the show. Everyone is excited to see the performances.”
- Match the Subject and Verb
Match the subject in Column A with the correct verb in Column B:
| Column A | Column B |
|---|---|
| Either John or his friends | have completed the assignment. |
| The book, along with its sequels, | is very popular. |
| The children | play outside every afternoon. |
- True or False
Determine if the sentences correctly follow subject-verb agreement:- Neither the students nor the teacher is responsible for the error. (True/False)
- Everyone are invited to the meeting. (True/False)
- The flock of sheep is grazing in the field. (True/False)
Bonus Challenge: Sentence Combining
Combine the following ideas into correct sentences with subject-verb agreement:
- Tom is painting the fence. Jerry is mowing the lawn.
- Combined: Tom and Jerry are working in the garden.
- The book is on the shelf. The notebook is next to it.
- Combined: The book and the notebook are on the shelf.
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Would you like more advanced examples or challenges to further your practice? Let me know!