Subject–verb agreement
Make verbs agree with their subjects, even when other nouns get in the way.
Every sentence has a subject and a verb. This lesson helps you match them correctly, even when extra words come between them.
Subject–verb agreement means a singular subject takes a singular verb and a plural subject takes a plural verb.
Examples
- The bag of onions is on the floor.
- Every member has a library card.
- Pooja and her sister live in Jaipur.
- Either the cups or the plate needs washing.
- Nobody knows the answer.
How it works
Find the real subject
A phrase such as of the books or with his friends does not change the subject. Ignore it and look for the main noun.
The colour of these curtains is bright.
Singular indefinite words
Each, every, either, neither, everyone, someone and nobody take a singular verb.
Each of the rooms has a window.
Subjects joined by and
Two subjects joined by and usually take a plural verb. If the pair names one idea or one dish, use a singular verb.
Rice and dal is my favourite lunch.
Or and neither … nor
With or, either … or and neither … nor, the verb agrees with the subject closer to it.
Neither the bus nor the trains are running today.
Quick reference
| Subject type | Verb | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Singular noun + phrase | Singular | The price of tickets has gone up. |
| each / every / everyone | Singular | Everyone likes the new canteen. |
| A and B | Plural | Asha and Manoj play chess. |
| A and B as one idea | Singular | Bread and jam is a quick snack. |
| either A or B | Agrees with B | Either you or I am wrong. |
| neither A nor B | Agrees with B | Neither he nor his friends were there. |
Common mistakes
✕The packet of biscuits are open.
✓The packet of biscuits is open.
The subject is packet, which is singular.
✕Every one of the windows were broken.
✓Every one of the windows was broken.
Every one is singular, so it takes was.
✕Neither the workers nor the manager were informed.
✓Neither the workers nor the manager was informed.
The nearer subject, manager, is singular.
Worked example
Exercise 1
Tap the subject that the verb agrees with.
The list of names is ready.
✓list
The subject is list, which is singular, so the verb is is; names is only part of the phrase of names.
Unlock practice for this lesson
- Quick check with 5 questions and solutions
- 7 interactive exercises, from easy to hard, checked as you go
- How to use this in your own writing
- Progress tracking and a certificate when you finish
Already Premium?
Practice
7 exercises in this lesson
Practice is part of Premium. Lesson 1 is free if you want to try the format first.