Subject-verb agreement is one of the fundamental rules of English grammar, yet it trips up writers at every skill level. The principle is simple: a singular subject takes a singular verb, and a plural subject takes a plural verb. In practice, however, intervening phrases, unusual sentence structures, and tricky subjects like collective nouns and indefinite pronouns create confusion that leads to errors.
This guide covers every major rule of subject-verb agreement with clear explanations and practical examples. Whether you are writing an academic essay, a business report, or a professional email, mastering these rules ensures that your sentences are grammatically correct and your meaning is clear.
The Basic Rule
The core rule of subject-verb agreement states that a singular subject requires a singular verb, and a plural subject requires a plural verb.
In English present tense, singular verbs typically end in -s or -es, while plural verbs do not.
| Subject | Verb | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Singular (the dog) | runs | The dog runs across the yard. |
| Plural (the dogs) | run | The dogs run across the yard. |
| Singular (she) | writes | She writes every morning. |
| Plural (they) | write | They write every morning. |
| Singular (the child) | plays | The child plays in the park. |
| Plural (the children) | play | The children play in the park. |
This seems counterintuitive because we normally associate the letter "s" with plurals for nouns. But for verbs, the "s" ending marks the singular form. Keep this distinction clear in your mind: nouns add "s" to become plural, but verbs add "s" to become singular.
Finding the Subject
Before you can match a verb to its subject, you must identify the subject correctly. The subject is the noun or pronoun that performs the action or is described by the verb. It is not always the word closest to the verb.
Step 1: Find the verb in the sentence. Step 2: Ask "who or what" performs the action. Step 3: That word is the subject. Match the verb to it.
Example: The box of chocolates is on the table.
- Verb: is
- Who or what is on the table? The box.
- "Box" is singular, so "is" is correct.
Rule 1 -- Subjects Separated from Verbs
When a prepositional phrase or other modifier comes between the subject and the verb, the verb must still agree with the subject, not with the nearest noun.
Prepositional Phrases
Prepositional phrases that begin with words like "of," "with," "in," "at," "between," and "among" often contain nouns that distract writers from the true subject.
Correct: The list of items is on the counter.
Incorrect: The list of items are on the counter.
The subject is "list" (singular), not "items." The prepositional phrase "of items" merely describes the list.
More examples:
- The bouquet of roses smells wonderful. (Subject: bouquet)
- The results of the experiment show a clear trend. (Subject: results)
- A collection of rare stamps was donated to the museum. (Subject: collection)
- The members of the committee have reached a decision. (Subject: members)
- The price of these apartments has increased dramatically. (Subject: price)
- The chapters in this book cover advanced topics. (Subject: chapters)
Phrases with "Along With," "As Well As," "Together With"
Phrases beginning with "along with," "as well as," "together with," "in addition to," and "accompanied by" do not change the number of the subject. They are not the same as "and."
Correct: The director, along with her assistants, is attending the conference.
Incorrect: The director, along with her assistants, are attending the conference.
The subject is "director" (singular). The phrase "along with her assistants" is a parenthetical addition, not a compound subject.
More examples:
- The CEO, as well as the board members, has approved the merger.
- The teacher, together with her students, is planning a field trip.
- The report, in addition to the appendices, was submitted on time.
- The main course, accompanied by two side dishes, costs twenty-five dollars.
Rule 2 -- Compound Subjects with "And"
When two or more subjects are joined by "and," they generally form a plural compound subject and take a plural verb.
Examples:
- The manager and the supervisor are responsible for the project.
- Coffee and tea are available in the break room.
- The cat and the dog play together in the yard.
- Research and development drive innovation in this industry.
- Speed and accuracy matter in emergency response.
Exception -- Subjects That Form a Single Unit
When two nouns joined by "and" refer to a single entity or concept, they take a singular verb.
- Peanut butter and jelly is my favorite sandwich. (one sandwich type)
- Macaroni and cheese is a classic comfort food. (one dish)
- The founder and CEO is speaking at the event. (one person)
- Bread and butter is served with every meal. (one item)
- Law and order is the foundation of civil society. (one concept)
Exception -- "Each" and "Every" Before Compound Subjects
When "each" or "every" precedes a compound subject, the verb is singular because the emphasis shifts to individual items.
- Each manager and supervisor has completed the training.
- Every student and teacher is expected to attend the assembly.
- Each book and journal was cataloged individually.
Rule 3 -- Compound Subjects with "Or" and "Nor"
When subjects are joined by "or" or "nor," the verb agrees with the subject closest to it. This is called the proximity rule.
Examples:
- Neither the manager nor the employees were informed of the change. (employees is closer, plural)
- Neither the employees nor the manager was informed of the change. (manager is closer, singular)
- Either the teachers or the principal is responsible. (principal is closer, singular)
- Either the principal or the teachers are responsible. (teachers is closer, plural)
Tip for natural-sounding sentences: Place the plural subject second so that the plural verb sounds more natural to the ear.
Awkward: Neither the students nor the teacher was prepared. Smoother: Neither the teacher nor the students were prepared.
When both subjects are the same number, the choice is simple:
- Neither the cat nor the dog is outside. (both singular, singular verb)
- Neither the cats nor the dogs are outside. (both plural, plural verb)
Rule 4 -- Collective Nouns
Collective nouns name groups of people, animals, or things: team, family, committee, audience, class, jury, staff, group, crowd, flock, herd.
American English Convention
In American English, collective nouns almost always take singular verbs because the group is treated as a single unit.
- The team is winning the championship.
- The committee has reached its decision.
- The jury has delivered its verdict.
- The family is moving to a new house.
- The staff meets every Monday morning.
- The audience was captivated by the performance.
- The class has completed the assignment.
British English Convention
In British English, collective nouns often take plural verbs, especially when the individual members act separately.
- The team are arguing among themselves.
- The committee have expressed different opinions.
- The family are scattered across three continents.
Choosing Singular or Plural
The deciding factor is whether you emphasize the group acting as one or the individuals within it.
| Emphasis | Verb | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Group as one unit | Singular | The team is celebrating its victory. |
| Individuals within the group | Plural | The team are going to their separate homes. |
In American English, when you want to emphasize individual members, it often sounds more natural to add "members of" rather than using a plural verb with the collective noun.
American preference: The members of the team are going to their separate homes.
Rule 5 -- Indefinite Pronouns
Indefinite pronouns are among the trickiest subjects for verb agreement because some are always singular, some are always plural, and some can be either.
Always Singular
These indefinite pronouns always take singular verbs:
| Pronoun | Example |
|---|---|
| anyone | Anyone is welcome to attend. |
| everyone | Everyone has finished the test. |
| someone | Someone has left their umbrella. |
| no one | No one was surprised by the result. |
| anybody | Anybody is eligible to apply. |
| everybody | Everybody knows the answer. |
| somebody | Somebody needs to take responsibility. |
| nobody | Nobody wants to volunteer. |
| each | Each has its own advantages. |
| either | Either is acceptable. |
| neither | Neither was available on Friday. |
| one | One does not simply walk into Mordor. |
| much | Much remains to be done. |
| anything | Anything is possible. |
| everything | Everything seems fine. |
| something | Something feels wrong. |
| nothing | Nothing has changed. |
Common error: "Everyone" and "everybody" feel plural because they refer to multiple people, but grammatically they are singular. Write "Everyone has," not "Everyone have."
Always Plural
These indefinite pronouns always take plural verbs:
| Pronoun | Example |
|---|---|
| both | Both are qualified for the position. |
| few | Few understand the complexity of the issue. |
| many | Many have expressed concerns. |
| several | Several were damaged in the storm. |
| others | Others disagree with the proposal. |
Singular or Plural (Depending on Context)
These pronouns can be either singular or plural depending on what they refer to:
| Pronoun | Singular Example | Plural Example |
|---|---|---|
| all | All of the cake is gone. | All of the students are present. |
| any | Any of the pie is fine. | Any of the options are acceptable. |
| more | More of the work is needed. | More of the employees are arriving. |
| most | Most of the report is complete. | Most of the reports are complete. |
| none | None of the information is accurate. | None of the answers are correct. |
| some | Some of the water has evaporated. | Some of the participants have left. |
The rule: Look at the noun in the prepositional phrase that follows. If it is singular (or uncountable), use a singular verb. If it is plural, use a plural verb.
Rule 6 -- Inverted Sentences
In standard English word order, the subject comes before the verb. In inverted sentences, the verb comes before the subject. You must still identify the subject and match the verb to it.
Sentences Beginning with "There" or "Here"
"There" and "here" are never subjects. The real subject follows the verb.
- There is a problem with the report. (subject: problem, singular)
- There are several problems with the report. (subject: problems, plural)
- Here is the document you requested. (subject: document, singular)
- Here are the documents you requested. (subject: documents, plural)
- There was a long pause before anyone spoke. (subject: pause, singular)
- There were three candidates on the shortlist. (subject: candidates, plural)
Common error: In casual speech, many people say "There's three reasons" instead of the correct "There are three reasons." In writing, always match the verb to the subject that follows.
Questions
In questions, the subject often falls between the auxiliary verb and the main verb.
- Does the manager approve of the plan? (subject: manager, singular)
- Do the managers approve of the plan? (subject: managers, plural)
- Has the package arrived? (subject: package, singular)
- Have the packages arrived? (subject: packages, plural)
Inverted Sentences for Emphasis
Some sentences invert the normal order for stylistic emphasis.
- On the shelf sits a dusty old clock. (subject: clock, singular)
- On the shelves sit dozens of dusty old clocks. (subject: clocks, plural)
- Attached to this email is the revised proposal. (subject: proposal, singular)
- Attached to this email are the revised documents. (subject: documents, plural)
Rule 7 -- Relative Pronouns (Who, Which, That)
When "who," "which," or "that" serves as the subject of a clause, the verb agrees with the antecedent -- the noun that the pronoun refers to.
- She is the employee who works the hardest. ("who" refers to "employee," singular)
- They are the employees who work the hardest. ("who" refers to "employees," plural)
- This is the book that contains the answer. ("that" refers to "book," singular)
- These are the books that contain the answer. ("that" refers to "books," plural)
"One of Those Who" Construction
This construction frequently causes errors. The verb in the relative clause agrees with the plural noun, not "one."
Correct: She is one of those managers who inspire their teams.
Incorrect: She is one of those managers who inspires their teams.
"Who" refers to "managers" (plural), not "one." The managers inspire their teams, and she is one of those managers.
Exception: When preceded by "the only one of," the verb is singular.
- She is the only one of those managers who inspires her team.
Here, "who" refers to "the only one" (singular).
Rule 8 -- Titles, Names, and Words as Subjects
Titles of Works
Titles of books, movies, organizations, and other works take singular verbs, even when the title contains a plural word.
- The Grapes of Wrath is a classic American novel.
- Star Wars has become a cultural phenomenon.
- The New York Times publishes daily.
- The United Nations was founded in 1945.
- Friends was one of the most popular television shows of the 1990s.
Company Names
Company names take singular verbs.
- Apple is releasing a new product.
- General Motors has announced record earnings.
- Microsoft develops software for businesses worldwide.
Words Referred to as Words
When a word is discussed as a word itself, it takes a singular verb.
- "Children" is the plural of "child."
- "They" has become an accepted singular pronoun.
- "Data" is used as both singular and plural in modern English.
Rule 9 -- Amounts, Measurements, and Money
When a subject refers to a single quantity, amount, or unit of measurement, it takes a singular verb, even if the number itself is technically plural.
- Ten dollars is not enough for lunch in this city.
- Three miles is a long walk in the heat.
- Twenty minutes was all the time we had.
- Five hundred pages is a long book.
- Two-thirds of the cake has been eaten.
The logic is that these expressions refer to a single amount, not individual items. Ten dollars is one sum of money, not ten separate dollars.
When Amounts Are Plural
When the subject emphasizes individual items rather than a single quantity, use a plural verb.
- Ten dollars were scattered across the floor. (ten individual bills)
- Three miles of highway are under construction. (three separate miles)
- The first twenty pages of the report are particularly important. (individual pages)
Rule 10 -- Special Cases and Tricky Subjects
"Number" -- A Number vs. The Number
- A number of students are absent today. (plural -- "a number of" means "many")
- The number of students is declining. (singular -- "the number" is the subject)
Nouns That Look Plural but Are Singular
Some nouns end in "s" but are actually singular.
| Word | Example |
|---|---|
| news | The news is encouraging. |
| mathematics | Mathematics is a required subject. |
| physics | Physics explains how the universe works. |
| economics | Economics is often called the dismal science. |
| athletics | Athletics is important for student development. |
| politics | Politics influences every aspect of public life. |
| measles | Measles is a preventable disease. |
| ethics | Ethics is a branch of philosophy. |
Note: Some of these words take plural verbs when they refer to specific instances rather than the general field. "The company's ethics are questionable" uses the plural because it refers to specific ethical standards, not the academic discipline.
Nouns That Look Singular but Are Plural
Some nouns do not end in "s" but are always plural.
| Word | Example |
|---|---|
| people | People are gathering in the square. |
| police | The police have arrived at the scene. |
| cattle | The cattle are grazing in the field. |
| children | The children are playing outside. |
| criteria | The criteria are strict. (singular: criterion) |
| phenomena | The phenomena are well documented. (singular: phenomenon) |
| data | The data suggest a clear trend. (traditionally plural, though singular use is increasingly accepted) |
"Either...Or" and "Neither...Nor" with Mixed Subjects
When one subject is singular and the other is plural, the verb agrees with the subject nearest to it.
- Either the principal or the teachers are organizing the event.
- Neither the students nor the professor has the answer key.
Gerunds and Infinitives as Subjects
Gerunds (verb forms ending in -ing used as nouns) and infinitives (to + verb) acting as subjects take singular verbs.
- Swimming is excellent exercise.
- Running builds cardiovascular endurance.
- To err is human.
- Reading improves vocabulary and comprehension.
When two gerunds are joined by "and," they take a plural verb.
- Swimming and running are excellent forms of exercise.
Common Subject-Verb Agreement Errors
Error 1 -- Ignoring Prepositional Phrases
Wrong: The quality of the ingredients are exceptional. Right: The quality of the ingredients is exceptional.
Error 2 -- Confusing "There is" and "There are"
Wrong: There's many reasons to apply. Right: There are many reasons to apply.
Error 3 -- Treating "Everyone" as Plural
Wrong: Everyone have their own opinion. Right: Everyone has their own opinion.
Error 4 -- Mishandling "Or/Nor" Compounds
Wrong: Neither the teachers nor the principal are available. Right: Neither the teachers nor the principal is available.
Error 5 -- Collective Noun Inconsistency
Wrong: The team is playing well. They are winning. (inconsistent: "team is" then "they are") Right: The team is playing well. It is winning. (consistent singular) Also right: The team are playing well. They are winning. (consistent plural, British English)
Quick Reference Chart
| Subject Type | Verb Number | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Singular noun | Singular | The cat sleeps. |
| Plural noun | Plural | The cats sleep. |
| Compound with "and" | Plural | The cat and dog sleep. |
| Compound with "or/nor" | Agrees with nearest | Neither the cat nor the dogs sleep. |
| Collective noun (American) | Singular | The team wins. |
| Singular indefinite pronoun | Singular | Everyone knows. |
| Plural indefinite pronoun | Plural | Many know. |
| "A number of" | Plural | A number of people are coming. |
| "The number of" | Singular | The number of people is growing. |
| Title of a work | Singular | The Chronicles is a good book. |
| Amount as a unit | Singular | Ten dollars is enough. |
| Inverted sentence | Agrees with actual subject | There are three options. |
Practice Exercises
Exercise 1 -- Choose the Correct Verb
Select the correct verb form for each sentence.
- The list of candidates (has / have) been narrowed to three finalists.
- Neither the manager nor the employees (was / were) aware of the policy change.
- Everyone in the meeting rooms (is / are) waiting for the presentation to begin.
- The committee (has / have) reached a unanimous decision.
- There (is / are) several factors to consider before making a decision.
- Mathematics (is / are) a challenging subject for many students.
- A number of complaints (has / have) been filed this quarter.
- The team, along with its coaches, (is / are) traveling to the championship.
- Either the students or the teacher (is / are) responsible for cleaning the lab.
- Each of the proposals (has / have) strengths and weaknesses.
Answers:
- has (subject: list)
- were (nearest subject: employees)
- is (subject: everyone, always singular)
- has (collective noun, singular in American English)
- are (subject: factors)
- is (singular academic subject)
- have ("a number of" is plural)
- is ("along with" does not change the subject)
- is (nearest subject: teacher)
- has (subject: each, always singular)
Exercise 2 -- Correct the Errors
Find and fix the subject-verb agreement error in each sentence.
- The results of the survey shows strong support for the initiative.
- There's at least three reasons why we should reconsider the plan.
- Neither the CEO nor the board members was available for comment.
- Everyone on both teams have been given instructions.
- The number of applications have increased significantly this year.
Corrected versions:
- The results of the survey show strong support for the initiative.
- There are at least three reasons why we should reconsider the plan.
- Neither the CEO nor the board members were available for comment.
- Everyone on both teams has been given instructions.
- The number of applications has increased significantly this year.
Final Advice for Subject-Verb Agreement
Subject-verb agreement errors are easy to make and easy to miss, especially in long or complex sentences. The most effective strategy is to develop a consistent habit: find the true subject of every sentence, ignore the intervening phrases, and match the verb to that subject.
When in doubt, simplify the sentence by removing prepositional phrases and parenthetical additions. The stripped-down version will reveal the subject clearly. "The quality of the ingredients in this restaurant's kitchen" simplifies to "the quality," making the singular verb obvious.
Read your work aloud during the editing process. Your ear will often catch agreement errors that your eye overlooks. With practice, correct subject-verb agreement becomes instinctive, and these rules will feel less like rules and more like natural writing habits.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the basic rule of subject-verb agreement?
The basic rule of subject-verb agreement states that a singular subject takes a singular verb, and a plural subject takes a plural verb. In English, singular present-tense verbs typically end in s, while plural verbs do not. For example, the dog runs is correct because the singular subject dog pairs with the singular verb runs. The dogs run is correct because the plural subject dogs pairs with the plural verb run. This rule sounds simple but becomes complex when subjects are separated from their verbs by prepositional phrases, when compound subjects use and or or, or when the subject follows the verb in inverted sentences. Mastering these special cases is the real challenge of subject-verb agreement.
Does a collective noun take a singular or plural verb?
Collective nouns like team, family, committee, and audience can take either a singular or plural verb depending on meaning and regional convention. In American English, collective nouns almost always take singular verbs because the group acts as one unit. You would write the team is winning and the committee has decided. In British English, collective nouns often take plural verbs when the individual members act separately, such as the team are arguing among themselves. The deciding factor is whether you are emphasizing the group as a single entity or the individuals within it. Whichever convention you choose, remain consistent throughout your document to avoid confusing your readers.
How do you handle subject-verb agreement with or and nor?
When subjects are joined by or or nor, the verb agrees with the subject closest to it. This is called the proximity rule. For example, neither the teacher nor the students were prepared is correct because students, the nearest subject, is plural. Similarly, neither the students nor the teacher was prepared is correct because teacher, the nearest subject, is singular. When both subjects are singular, use a singular verb: neither the cat nor the dog is outside. When both are plural, use a plural verb: neither the cats nor the dogs are outside. For smoother reading, place the plural subject second so the plural verb sounds more natural. This avoids awkward constructions that might distract your reader.