Correct errors with subject-verb agreement
Key Notes :
📝 Correct Errors with Subject-Verb Agreement
Subject-Verb Agreement means the subject and verb in a sentence must agree in number. That is:
- Singular subject → Singular verb
- Plural subject → Plural verb
| Singular & Plural Subjects |
| Subject Type | Example Subject | Verb Must Be | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Singular 👦 | He, she, it | Singular verb | He runs 🏃 fast. |
| Plural 👧👦 | They, we, cats | Plural verb | The cats play 🐱 outside. |
| Rules to Remember |
1. With ‘and’
- Two subjects joined by and usually take a plural verb.
- Example: Ravi and Sita are 👩🦰👨🦱 friends.
2. With ‘or’ / ‘nor’
- The verb agrees with the subject closest to it.
- Example: Either the teacher or the students are ready.
- Example: Neither the students nor the teacher is ready.
3. Indefinite pronouns
Always singular: everyone, someone, anybody, nobody → use singular verbs
- Everyone loves ❤️ chocolate.
Always plural: few, many, both → use plural verbs
- Many are attending the party 🎉.
4. Collective nouns (team, class, family)
Usually singular if acting as one unit
- The team wins 🏆 every match.
Plural if acting individually
- The team are arguing 😡 among themselves.
5. Amounts & Quantities
Singular if seen as one whole
- Ten dollars is 💵 enough.
Plural if referring to individual items
- Ten coins are 🪙 on the table.
6. Special cases
Titles of books, movies, or organizations → singular verb
- “Harry Potter” is 📚 my favorite series.
| Common Errors & Corrections |
| Incorrect ❌ | Correct ✅ | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| The dogs runs fast. | The dogs run 🐕 fast. | Dogs = plural → run (plural) |
| She go to school. | She goes 🏫 to school. | She = singular → goes (singular) |
| Everyone are happy. | Everyone is 😊 happy. | Everyone = singular → is |
| Either Ravi or his friends is ready. | Either Ravi or his friends are ready. | Verb agrees with closest subject: friends → are |
| Quick Tips 💡 |
Look at the subject, not the words in between!
- Example: The basket of apples 🍎 is on the table.
Ignore phrases like “as well as” or “along with” → they don’t make the subject plural
- The teacher, along with the students, is attending the seminar.
✅ Remember: Singular → singular verb 🟰 Plural → plural verb
Practice makes it perfect! 🏆
Let’s practice!
