Grammar Guide

Subject-Verb Agreement

Every verb must agree with its subject, which involves matching the subject in number. Number refers to whether the subject is singular or plural. 

Example: The class average was good.

The subject, the class average, is singular, so the verb, was, must be singular to match it. It can be more difficult to make sure the subject and verb agree when additional words separate the subject from its verb in a sentence.

Example: The class average for the math exams was good. 

The subject is still the class average, so the singular verb was is still correct. However, it’s a common mistake to see a plural phrase directly before the verb, like the math exams, and assume the verb should be plural, were, to match that. Be careful to correctly identify the subject of your sentence and match the verb to that, not to any additional words or phrases in the sentence.

 

Practice:

1. Choose the correct form of the verb to be for these sentences, paying attention to the subject-verb agreement. 

1. She and her friend is/are fans of the same band.
2. The driver with all of the parking tickets was/were embarrassed. 
3. One of the presents is/are open. 

2. Mark whether or not the following sentences are correct. If they are not, correct the verb so it agrees with the subject.

1. Zach and his dog, who has to wear a cone, walk down the street. 
2. The movie, especially the first two scenes, are thrilling. 
3. The dancers who practice that style is talented.

 

Answers:

1. Forms of the verb to be:

1. She and her friend are fans of the same band.
2. The driver with all of the parking tickets was embarrassed.
3. One of the presents is open.

2. Correct or Incorrect:

1. Correct
2. Incorrect

The movie, especially the first two scenes, is thrilling. 

3. Incorrect

The dancers who practice that style are talented. 

 

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