The Easiest Way to Understand English Subject-Verb Agreement

Understanding English subject-verb agreement can be daunting for many learners. However, the key to mastering this fundamental aspect of English grammar is to break it down into simple, manageable rules. Here, we will explore the basic principles and provide clear examples to make it easier for ESL students.

Key Principles of Subject-Verb Agreement

When it comes to English subject-verb agreement, there are a few key principles that can help you navigate the rules:

Singular subjects require singular verbs: This literally means that if the subject is singular, the verb should also be singular. For example, "The boy plays." Plural subjects require plural verbs: Conversely, if the subject is plural, the verb should be plural as well. For example, "The boys play." Collective nouns and indefinite pronouns: These can be a bit tricky. For instance, "The team is winning" (subject and verb are singular) vs. "The team are all tired" (subject is singular, but each member is plural). Noun phrases and proximity: The noun closest to the verb usually determines the subject-verb agreement. For example, "The boy and his friends play" (the subject is "his friends", and the verb agrees with them). Be verbs: When using be verbs (am, is, are, was, were), the subject and the verb must agree in number. For example, "She is late" but "They are late." Modal verbs: These are additional verbs that express ability, permission, or suggestion (e.g., can, should, could, etc.). They don't follow the subject-verb agreement rules, so the verb after a modal verb is usually the base form. For example, "They can swim" vs. "She can swim." Singular personal pronouns: Pronouns like "he," "she," and "it" always take the singular verb form "s." For example, "He is tall" but "The cat is sleeping." Plural personal pronouns and other plural subjects: Pronouns like "we," "you," "they," and other plural subjects don't get an 's' on the verb. For example, "We are going" but "The dogs bark."

Practical Examples to Understand Subject-Verb Agreement

Here are some practical examples to help you apply these rules in sentences:

He s** is** late to school. (The subject is "he," so the verb takes "s.") They are late to school. (The subject is "they," so the verb does not take "s.") She h** has** a big dog. (The subject is "she," so the verb takes "s.") We arrive at 10:30. (The subject is "we," so the verb does not take "s.") It a** arrive**s** at 9:00. (The subject is "it," so the verb takes "s.") She i** is** not here. (The subject is "she," so the verb takes "s.") Dave d** does**n’t live in Oregon. (The subject is "Dave," so the verb does not take "s.") I s** is** Alfredo done yet? Are you done yet? (The subjects are "I" and "you," so the verbs take "s.") Doe s** does** it w** work**? Do they w** work**? (The subject is "it" and "they," so the verbs take "s.")

By keeping these simple rules in mind and practicing with various examples, you can better understand and apply English subject-verb agreement in your speaking and writing.

Conclusion

Subject-verb agreement might seem complex at first, but by focusing on these key principles and maintaining simplicity, you can grasp the fundamentals. Whether you are a teacher or a learner, breaking down the rules into clear, manageable guidelines can make a significant difference in your understanding of English grammar.