Subject-Verb Agreement: Sentence Correction Guide

Subject-verb agreement is a fundamental grammar rule that ensures a subject and verb in a sentence match in number (singular or plural). Mistakes in subject-verb agreement are common in both writing and speaking, and mastering this rule is essential for clear communication.

In this guide, we will cover:

Complex Subject-Verb Agreement Rules
Common Errors and How to Fix Them
Advanced Sentence Structures and Exceptions

1. Compound Subjects and Agreement

When two or more subjects are joined by “and,” the verb is usually plural.

Correct:

Anna and Mark are attending the conference.

Incorrect:

Anna and Mark is attending the conference.

However, if the compound subject refers to one entity or idea, use a singular verb.

Correct:

Bread and butter is my favorite breakfast.
The CEO and founder is addressing the audience. (Refers to one person with both titles.)

2. Subjects Joined by “Or” or “Nor”

When subjects are joined by “or” or “nor,” the verb agrees with the subject closest to it (the rule of proximity).

Correct:

Neither the manager nor the employees are responsible. (Employees = plural, so verb is plural.)
Either the employees or the manager is in charge. (Manager = singular, so verb is singular.)

3. Indefinite Pronouns and Agreement

Some indefinite pronouns are always singular and take a singular verb:

Each, anyone, everyone, someone, nobody, anything, something, nothing, either, neither.

Correct:

Everyone is invited to the event.
Neither of the answers is correct.

Some indefinite pronouns are always plural and take a plural verb:

Both, few, several, many.

Correct:

Both of them are interested in the project.
Few understand the concept clearly.

Some pronouns depend on the noun they refer to (Singular or Plural):

Some, any, none, all, most.

Correct:

Some of the money is missing. (Money = singular.)
Some of the books are interesting. (Books = plural.)

4. Collective Nouns and Agreement

Collective nouns refer to a group acting as one unit (e.g., team, committee, audience, family, staff).

When the group acts as a single unit, use a singular verb.
When individuals in the group act separately, use a plural verb.

Correct:

The committee has made its decision. (One unit.)
The committee have different opinions on the issue. (Members acting individually.)

5. Sentences Beginning with “There” or “Here”

When a sentence starts with “there” or “here,” the verb must agree with the subject that follows it.

Correct:

There is a book on the table. (Book = singular.)
There are many books on the table. (Books = plural.)

6. Gerunds and Infinitives as Subjects

A gerund (verb+ing) or an infinitive (to+verb) used as a subject takes a singular verb.

Correct:

Swimming is a great exercise.
To read books helps improve vocabulary.

7. Difficult Sentence Structures & Exceptions

A. Expressions of Quantity

One-third of the cake is gone. (Cake = singular.)
One-third of the students are absent. (Students = plural.)

B. Titles, Company Names, and Countries

Even if a title or company name looks plural, it takes a singular verb.

Correct:

The United States is a large country.
Microsoft has released a new update.

8. Common Errors and How to Fix Them

Error 1: Misidentifying the Subject

Incorrect:

The bag of books were heavy.

Correct:

The bag of books was heavy. (Subject = bag, which is singular.)

Error 2: Incorrect Agreement with “Each” and “Every”

Incorrect:

Each of the students are responsible.

Correct:

Each of the students is responsible. (Each = singular.)

Error 3: Incorrect Agreement with “None”

Incorrect:

None of them is attending. (Can be plural in informal use.)

Correct:

None of them are attending. (Accepted in modern usage.)

Final Thoughts

Mastering subject-verb agreement is essential for clear, grammatically correct writing. By practicing these rules, you can avoid common errors and improve your sentence construction.