How to Identify the Agreement of Subjects and Verbs

When talking about agreement of subject and verb, the identifying word is ‘number’. Number refers to the form of a word that indicates whether it is singular or plural. A verb must agree with its subject in number. A little practice can make Subject/Verb agreement second nature when one is writing, so that if there is disagreement in a sentence it immediately shows up in proof reading, or ideally, when it is being written.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Literacy

1. Singular subjects indicate one and require a singular verb. Plural subjects indicate more than one and require a plural verb. Here is the key to remember. Most regular verbs add
   –s or –es to form the singular. Note that this is opposite to forming singulars with nouns, so don’t confuse verbs with nouns in these cases.
   Example: Singular: The author writes. The champion boxes.
   Example: Plural: The authors write. The champions box.

2. An exception top the rule occurs with the pronouns ‘I’ and ‘you’. Both take the plural form of a verb, even when ‘you’ refers to one person. The only exception is ‘be’; when’I’ is the subject, the verb form is ‘am’.
   Example: I eat breakfast.
   Example: You prepare dinner.

3. Whether functioning as main verbs or auxiliary verbs, ‘be, have, and do’ change in form to show agreement. In fact, the number of a verb phrase is indicated by these auxiliary verbs.
   Examples: Singular I am late. He is laughing. The applicant has experience. She has listened intently. Does he need help? Notice in the verb phrases the main verbs do not change form.
   Examples: Plural. We are late. We are laughing. The applicants have experience. They have listened intently. Do they need help?

Tips & Warnings

• Read often as this improves your grammar.

[starlet67]

on 5/21/2009 Good explanation of how to Identify the Agreement of Subjects and Verbs!5*