Subject-Verb Agreement - Slides
Subject-verb agreement is a fundamental grammar rule in English that ensures the subject and verb in a sentence match in number (singular or plural). This chapter will teach you the essential rules and patterns that will help you identify correct subject-verb agreement in various sentence structures, which is crucial for success in college entrance exams like UPCAT, ACET, and other CETs.
Slides
Introduction to Subject-Verb Agreement
Notes
Remember: It's always the verb that agrees with the subject, never the other way around.
Examples
- The student studies hard. (singular)
- The students study hard. (plural)
- She writes poems. (singular)
- They write poems. (plural)
Subject-verb agreement is like a partnership - the subject and verb must work together harmoniously. When you have one person or thing (singular), the verb shows this with an -s ending. When you have multiple people or things (plural), the verb drops the -s.
Main points
- Subject-verb agreement means the subject and verb must match in number
- Singular subjects take singular verbs (with -s ending)
- Plural subjects take plural verbs (without -s ending)
- This is the foundation of proper English grammar
Diagram
Mind map showing the basic concept of subject-verb agreement with singular and plural forms
The Memory Table
Notes
Always start by identifying the true subject of the sentence, then apply this table.
Examples
- The dog barks loudly. (singular dog → barks with -s)
- The dogs bark loudly. (plural dogs → bark without -s)
- Maria sings beautifully. (singular Maria → sings with -s)
- The girls sing beautifully. (plural girls → sing without -s)
This table is your best friend for subject-verb agreement. The key is correctly identifying whether your subject is singular (one) or plural (more than one). Once you know that, the verb form follows automatically.
Main points
- Singular subjects → verbs WITH -s
- Plural subjects → verbs WITHOUT -s
- This simple table solves most agreement problems
- Once you identify if the subject is singular or plural, you're good to go!
Diagram
Flowchart showing the decision process for choosing the correct verb form
Personal Pronouns as Subjects
Notes
Remember: 'You' is special - it always takes plural verbs even when referring to one person.
Examples
- He writes letters every day.
- She studies Mathematics.
- It works perfectly.
- I love Filipino food.
- You are my best friend.
- We play basketball.
- They sing in the choir.
Personal pronouns follow specific patterns. The third-person singular pronouns (he, she, it) always take the -s form of verbs, while all other personal pronouns take the base form without -s.
Main points
- He, she, it → take verbs with -s (singular)
- I, you, we, they → take verbs without -s
- Note: 'You' is always treated as plural
- These are the most common subjects in English
Diagram
Pie chart showing the distribution of personal pronoun agreement patterns
Subjects Joined by 'And'
Notes
Look for articles (the, a, an) to help determine if it's one entity or separate entities.
Examples
- Fruits and vegetables are important in our diet. (separate items)
- Rice and fish is my favorite meal. (one complete meal)
- The mother and wife was here. (one person with two roles)
- The mother and the wife were here. (two different people)
When two or more subjects are connected by 'and', they typically form a compound subject that is plural. However, if the compound subject refers to a single person, thing, or concept, it takes a singular verb.
Main points
- Subjects joined by 'and' are usually plural
- Use verbs without -s (base form)
- Exception: When referring to one person or unit
- Context determines if it's one entity or separate entities
Diagram
Decision tree for subjects joined by 'and'
Subjects Joined by 'Or' and 'Nor'
Notes
Always look at the subject immediately before the verb when dealing with 'or' and 'nor'.
Examples
- Patricia or Laurence is going to win. (nearest: Laurence - singular)
- The boys or the girls are going to win. (nearest: girls - plural)
- Neither the teacher nor the students are ready. (nearest: students - plural)
- Neither the students nor the teacher is ready. (nearest: teacher - singular)
Unlike 'and', when subjects are joined by 'or' or 'nor', we don't add them together. Instead, the verb agrees with whichever subject is closer to it. This makes sense because 'or' suggests one or the other, not both.
Main points
- With 'or' and 'nor', the verb agrees with the NEAREST subject
- Also applies to 'either...or' and 'neither...nor'
- The subject closest to the verb determines the verb form
- This is called the 'proximity rule'
Diagram
Flow showing how the nearest subject determines verb agreement with or/nor
Indefinite Pronouns - Part 1: Always Singular
Notes
Memory tip: Words ending in -one, -body, and -thing are always singular.
Examples
- Everyone loves the new teacher.
- Each student has a unique ID number.
- Something smells delicious in the kitchen.
- Nobody knows the answer to that question.
- Everything seems perfect today.
These indefinite pronouns might seem like they refer to multiple people or things, but grammatically they are always treated as singular. Think of 'everyone' as 'every single one' - each individual person, not a group.
Main points
- These indefinite pronouns are ALWAYS singular
- Each, either, neither, one, everyone, everybody
- No one, nobody, anybody, someone, somebody
- Everything, nothing, anything, something
- All take verbs with -s ending
Diagram
Mind map categorizing singular indefinite pronouns by related groups
Indefinite Pronouns - Part 2: Always Plural
Notes
These are easier to remember because they obviously refer to multiple things.
Examples
- Both have already submitted their requirements.
- Several students participate in the debate.
- Few people understand quantum physics.
- Many Filipinos work overseas.
Unlike the singular indefinite pronouns, these words clearly indicate multiple items. They inherently suggest more than one, so they always take plural verbs.
Main points
- These indefinite pronouns are ALWAYS plural
- Both, several, few, many
- All take verbs without -s ending (base form)
- These clearly indicate multiple items or people
Diagram
Flowchart showing plural indefinite pronouns and their verb requirements
Variable Indefinite Pronouns
Notes
Key: Look at the noun after 'of' to determine if it's countable (plural verb) or uncountable (singular verb).
Examples
- Some of the pie was eaten. (pie is singular/mass)
- Some of the chips were eaten. (chips is plural/countable)
- All of the water is contaminated. (water is singular/mass)
- All of the books are expensive. (books is plural/countable)
These special indefinite pronouns change their agreement based on context. Look at what comes after 'of' to determine if the pronoun is singular or plural. If it's a mass noun (uncountable), use singular. If it's a count noun (countable), use plural.
Main points
- All, any, most, none, some can be singular OR plural
- Depends on what they refer to (the 'of' phrase)
- If referring to one thing → singular verb
- If referring to countable items → plural verb
Diagram
Decision process for variable indefinite pronouns based on the noun they modify
Intervening Phrases
Notes
Cross out or mentally ignore intervening phrases to identify the true subject-verb relationship.
Examples
- The princess, along with 8 guards, has arrived late.
- The students, including the teacher, try to solve the problem.
- John, together with his friends, is coming to the party.
- The book, as well as the notebooks, is on the table.
Don't be fooled by words that come between the subject and verb. These intervening phrases are like parenthetical information - they add details but don't change the number of the main subject.
Main points
- Phrases between subject and verb don't affect agreement
- Common intervening phrases: with, along with, together with
- Also: as well as, in addition to, including, accompanied by
- Focus on the main subject, ignore the phrase
Diagram
Shows how intervening phrases should be ignored when determining subject-verb agreement
There Is vs There Are
Notes
Always look for the noun that comes after 'is' or 'are' in 'there' sentences - that's your real subject.
Examples
- There is a student waiting in the office. (student = singular)
- There are students waiting in the office. (students = plural)
- There are three gifts for you. (gifts = plural)
- Here comes Patricia. (Patricia = singular)
In sentences beginning with 'there', the word 'there' is just an introductory word (expletive). The real subject comes after the verb 'is' or 'are'. You must identify this real subject to choose the correct verb form.
Main points
- 'There is' + singular subject
- 'There are' + plural subject
- The real subject comes AFTER the verb
- Don't let 'there' fool you - it's not the subject
Diagram
Decision process for choosing between 'there is' and 'there are'
Collective Nouns
Notes
Look for context clues: words like 'together', 'unanimously' suggest unity (singular), while 'different', 'various' suggest individuals (plural).
Examples
- The team wins every game. (team as one unit)
- The team are wearing different colored shirts. (individuals)
- The family is traveling to Boracay. (together as one unit)
- The family have different opinions about the movie. (individual opinions)
Collective nouns can be tricky because they represent groups. If the group is acting together as one unit, use a singular verb. If the members are acting individually, use a plural verb. Look for clues in the sentence context.
Main points
- Collective nouns: group, family, team, class, jury, audience
- Singular when acting as ONE UNIT
- Plural when acting as INDIVIDUALS
- Context determines which interpretation to use
Diagram
Decision tree for collective noun agreement based on unity vs. individuality
A Number vs The Number
Notes
Memory tip: 'A number' = many things (plural), 'The number' = one amount (singular).
Examples
- A number of students are absent today. (focus on students)
- The number of students has increased. (focus on quantity)
- A number of problems arise from this decision.
- The number of problems is growing.
This is a common test question! The article makes all the difference. 'A number of' focuses on the individual items (plural), while 'the number of' focuses on the quantity as a single concept (singular).
Main points
- 'A number of' + plural noun = PLURAL verb
- 'The number of' + plural noun = SINGULAR verb
- 'A number' emphasizes the items themselves
- 'The number' emphasizes the quantity/amount
Diagram
Comparison between 'a number of' and 'the number of' constructions
Amounts, Money, and Measurements
Notes
Think of these as single, complete amounts rather than individual items.
Examples
- Fifty pesos is all he gave me. (one amount)
- Three kilometers is not far. (one distance)
- Two hours seems like a long time. (one period)
- Five kilograms of rice costs 300 pesos. (one weight)
When we talk about amounts of money, periods of time, or measurements, we're thinking of them as single units or totals, even if the words look plural. 'Fifty pesos' is one amount of money, not fifty individual peso coins.
Main points
- Expressions of money, time, and measurement are SINGULAR
- Even when the form looks plural, treat as one unit
- Examples: distances, prices, periods of time, weights
- The concept is one complete amount or measurement
Diagram
Mind map showing different types of measurements that take singular verbs
Special Plural and Singular Nouns
Notes
Memorize these exceptions - they appear frequently in exams!
Examples
- Mathematics is my favorite subject. (singular meaning)
- The news was shocking. (singular meaning)
- Scissors are needed for this project. (always plural)
- A pair of scissors is on the table. ('pair' makes it singular)
English has some tricky nouns that don't follow the usual rules. Some look plural but represent single concepts (like 'mathematics'), while others are always plural (like 'scissors') because they have two parts.
Main points
- Some nouns are plural in form but singular in meaning
- Mathematics, physics, news, politics → SINGULAR verbs
- Some nouns are always plural: scissors, pants, glasses
- But 'a pair of scissors' → SINGULAR
Diagram
Distribution of special noun categories that don't follow standard agreement rules
Common Mistakes and Tips
Notes
When in doubt, simplify the sentence by removing extra phrases and focusing on the core subject-verb relationship.
Examples
- WRONG: The box of chocolates are expensive.
- RIGHT: The box of chocolates is expensive. (box = subject)
- WRONG: Everyone in the classes are ready.
- RIGHT: Everyone in the classes is ready. (everyone = subject)
Most subject-verb agreement errors come from not identifying the true subject or being distracted by intervening words. Practice identifying the core subject-verb relationship in complex sentences.
Main points
- Don't be fooled by intervening phrases
- Identify the true subject, not just the nearest noun
- With 'or'/'nor', use the nearest subject
- Remember: indefinite pronouns ending in -one, -body, -thing are singular
Diagram
Step-by-step process for ensuring correct subject-verb agreement
Practice Strategies for Exams
Notes
Regular practice with varied sentence structures will make subject-verb agreement automatic.
Examples
- Strategy: The students, along with their teacher, (is/are) going.
- Step 1: Cross out 'along with their teacher'
- Step 2: 'The students... are going' → plural subject, plural verb
- Answer: are
Success in subject-verb agreement questions requires systematic practice. Develop a consistent approach to identifying subjects and verbs, and practice with real exam questions from UPCAT, ACET, and other college entrance tests.
Main points
- Cross out intervening phrases mentally
- Circle or underline the true subject
- For 'or'/'nor' constructions, focus on the nearest subject
- With indefinite pronouns, memorize the singular ones
- Practice with authentic exam questions
Diagram
Type
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In summary
Subject-verb agreement is a fundamental skill for academic success and professional communication. By mastering these rules and practicing regularly, you'll avoid common grammar errors and improve your performance on college entrance exams. Remember the basic principle: identify the true subject, determine if it's singular or plural, and choose the matching verb form. With consistent practice, these rules will become second nature.