Subject Verb Agreement

Introduction:

Language works best when its parts are in harmony, and subject-verb agreement is one of the most important aspects of this harmony. Subject-verb agreement means that the verb in a sentence must correspond correctly with its subject in number (singular or plural) and person (first, second, or third). We very often make mistakes in using the proper verb with a subject in the sentence. We need to use the verb that agrees with the subject. For example, in the sentence “The quality of the mangoes was not good,” the true subject is “quality,” not “mangoes.” Hence, the verb should be singular (was). Mastery of this rule ensures both correctness and elegance in English expression.

Main Rules of Subject–Verb Agreement

1.    Singular and Plural Subjects with ‘and’
When two or more singular nouns or pronouns joined by and generally take a plural verb. For Examples:

1.    Gold and silver are precious metals.

2.    He and I were playing.

However, if the nouns together suggest one single idea or refer to the same person, the verb is singular. For Examples:

1.    Time and tide waits for no man.

2.    The horse and carriage is at the door.

2.    Subjects with Parenthetical Words
When a subject is joined to another word by with, as well as, etc., the verb agrees with the first subject and is usually singular.

1.    The Mayor, with his councillors, is to be present.

2.    Silver, as well as cotton, has fallen in price.

3.    Subjects Connected by ‘or’ or ‘nor’
If two or more singular subjects are connected by or/nor, the verb is singular.

1.    Neither food nor water was to be found.

But if one subject is plural, the verb agrees with the nearer subject.

1.    Neither the Chairman nor the directors are present.

5.    Indefinite Pronouns
Words like either, neither, each, everyone, many a are followed by singular verbs.

1.    Each of these substances is found in India.

2.    Everyone of the boys loves to ride.

3.    Many a man has succumbed to temptation.

5.    Special Nouns
Certain nouns are plural in form but singular in meaning.

1.    Mathematics is a branch of study.

2.    The news is true.

Words like means and pains can take singular or plural depending on sense.

1.    Great pains have been taken.

2.    Much pains has been taken.

6.    Collective Nouns
A collective noun takes a singular verb when thought of as one unit, and plural when the individuals are emphasized.

1.    The Committee has issued its report.

2.    The Committee are divided in their opinions.

7.    Proper Names and Quantities
Plural names referring to one single object take a singular verb.

1.    The United States has a big navy.

2.    Gulliver’s Travels was written by Jonathan Swift.

Specific amounts and measurements are considered singular.

1.    Fifty thousand rupees is a large sum.

2.    Ten kilometers is a long walk.

Illustrative Examples from Usage

1.    To take pay and then not to do work is dishonest.

2.    The jury are divided in their opinions.

3.    Neither his father nor his mother is alive.

4.    The cow, as well as the horse, eats grass.

5.    Two-thirds of the city is in ruins.

6.    The Three Musketeers was written by Dumas.

Conclusion

Subject-verb agreement is one of the cornerstones of correct English grammar. A sentence sounds awkward and ungrammatical if the verb does not match its subject in number and person. Students must pay attention not only to the obvious subject but also to hidden traps like collective nouns, quantities, or nouns with misleading forms. The key is to identify the true subject and then apply the appropriate verb form. A firm grasp of these principles avoids common errors and lends both clarity and precision to expression. In short, correct subject-verb agreement ensures that the language is not only grammatically accurate but also logically consistent.

 

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