Subject-Verb Agreement: Rules, Examples and Common Mistakes

Subject-verb agreement is one of the most important rules in English grammar. It simply means that the subject and the verb in a sentence must match in number — a singular subject takes a singular verb, and a plural subject takes a plural verb.

It sounds simple, but many students make mistakes here, especially in longer or trickier sentences. This guide covers all the important rules with clear examples.

The Basic Rule

• Singular subject + Singular verb He plays cricket every evening.
• Plural subject + Plural verb They play cricket every evening.

With the pronouns he, she, it and singular nouns, the verb takes an -s/-es in the Simple Present (plays, goes, watches). With I, we, you, they and plural nouns, the base form of the verb is used (play, go, watch).

Rule 1: Two Subjects Joined by “And”

When two subjects are joined by and, the verb is usually plural.

• Ram and Shyam are good friends.
• Reading and writing improve your vocabulary.

Exception: If the two words together refer to a single idea or person, use a singular verb.

• Bread and butter is my favourite breakfast. (one dish)
• The Principal and Secretary is present. (same person holding both posts)

Rule 2: Subjects Joined by “Or” / “Nor”

When two singular subjects are joined by or, nor, either…or, or neither…nor, the verb is singular.

• Either Ram or Shyam is responsible.
• Neither the teacher nor the student was aware of the mistake.

Rule of Proximity: If one subject is singular and the other is plural, the verb agrees with the subject nearer to it.

• Neither the manager nor the workers were happy.
• Neither the workers nor the manager was happy.

Rule 3: Collective Nouns

Words like team, family, class, jury, committee, army, crowd are collective nouns. They take a singular verb when the group acts as one unit, and a plural verb when the members act individually.

• The team is playing well. (acting as one unit)
• The team are arguing among themselves. (acting as individuals)

In everyday and exam usage, the singular form is more common and safer to use.

Rule 4: Indefinite Pronouns

Certain pronouns are always singular, even though they may sound like they refer to more than one person:

each, every, either, neither, one, someone, anyone, everyone, no one, nobody, everybody, anybody, somebody

• Everyone is invited to the party.
• Each of the students has submitted the assignment.
• Neither of the answers is correct.

Note: with each of / either of / neither of + plural noun, the verb still stays singular, because “each/either/neither” (not the noun after “of”) is the real subject.

Rule 5: Subjects Joined by “With”, “Along With”, “As Well As”, “Together With”

These phrases do not make the subject plural. The verb agrees only with the main subject before the phrase.

• The teacher, along with her students, is going on a trip.
• The captain, as well as the players, was praised for the win.

Rule 6: “There is” / “There are”

Here the subject comes after the verb, so identify the real subject first.

• There is a book on the table. (subject: book – singular)
• There are many books on the table. (subject: books – plural)

Rule 7: Uncountable Nouns

Uncountable nouns like news, advice, information, furniture, luggage, knowledge always take a singular verb, even though they may look plural.

• The news is shocking.
• Her advice was very helpful.

Rule 8: Subjects That Look Plural But Are Singular

Some nouns end in -s but are actually singular in meaning: mathematics, physics, news, measles, athletics, and titles of books/movies.

• Mathematics is my favourite subject.
• “Two States” is a popular novel.

Rule 9: Amounts, Distances, Time and Money

When an amount, distance, weight, or period of time is considered as one unit, the verb is singular.

• Ten kilometres is a long distance to walk.
• Five thousand rupees is a lot of money.
• Two hours is enough time to finish this test.

Rule 10: Percentages and Fractions

The verb agrees with the noun that follows “of”.

• Fifty percent of the work is done. (work – singular)
• Fifty percent of the students are present. (students – plural)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Quick Practice

Try these sentences yourself — choose the correct verb:

1. Neither the manager nor the employees ___ (was/were) informed.
2. Mathematics ___ (is/are) not as difficult as it seems.
3. Each of the girls ___ (has/have) her own bag.
4. The furniture in this house ___ (is/are) very old.
5. Fifty percent of the mangoes ___ (is/are) rotten.

Answers: 1. were 2. is 3. has 4. is 5. are

Mastering subject-verb agreement will instantly make your writing look more polished and help you avoid one of the most common grammar mistakes in exams and everyday English. Practice these rules with your own sentences until they become second nature.