Subject-Verb Concord Exam: The Key to Correct English Grammar
Subject-Verb Concord Quiz
Subject-Verb Concord: A Rule That Trips Up Many
Subject-verb concord — or agreement, if you prefer — is one of those grammar rules that seems easy. Too easy. But hold on. Once you look closer, things get messy. Really messy.
Let’s say it simply: if your subject is singular, your verb should be singular. Plural? Then your verb needs to match. Easy? Not always. Even native speakers mess this up.
This guide walks through the basics, points out the common slip-ups, and gives you solid examples to learn from.
Wait, What Is It Again?
Subject-verb concord means your verb has to line up — in number and person — with the subject. That’s it. Nothing fancy. But the details matter.
Singular subject = singular verb.
Plural subject = plural verb.
Simple on paper. In practice? Not so much.
Examples (Plain and Straightforward)
Singular:
She reads books every day.
("She" is one person. So the verb takes an “s.” Like clockwork.)
Plural:
They read books every day.
("They" means more than one. So no “s” this time.)
Where People Get It Wrong (Often)
1. Collective Nouns – One or Many?
Words like team, family, group. One unit? Or lots of people? Depends.
The team is winning.
(As one unit.)
The team are shouting over each other.
(As individuals. Chaos.)
2. “None” and “Each” — Sneaky Trouble
None of the cake has been eaten.
(Singular thing = singular verb.)
None of the students have arrived.
(Multiple students = plural verb.)
Each of the players has a job.
("Each" is always singular. Even if the noun after it isn’t.)
3. “Neither” and “Either” – Pick One, Not Both
Neither of the girls has arrived.
Either my brother or my sisters are going.
(Whichever one is closest to the verb usually decides the form.)
How to Avoid the Trap
-
Spot the Subject First: That’s your anchor. Everything else bends around it.
-
Ignore the Noise: Phrases like “along with” or “as well as”? Just distractions.
The teacher, along with the students, is going on a trip.
(Not are. The teacher is the subject.)
-
Compound Subjects = Plural Verbs
John and Mary are going to the park.
(There are two people. So, plural.)
-
Write and Read More: No shortcut here. Practice is what helps. Patterns stick better that way.
More Quick Examples
-
Each of the books is on the shelf.
-
None of the girls have finished the task.
-
The teacher and the students are working together.
-
Neither of the dogs has been fed.
Final Thoughts
Subject-verb agreement might seem dull, but it’s powerful. When your subject and verb don’t match, the sentence stumbles. Sometimes hard.
Just remember:
-
Singular subjects = verbs with “s.”
-
Plural subjects = verbs without “s.”
Pay attention. Read often. Write more. Mistakes will shrink. Clarity will grow.
FAQ
1. Why should I care about subject-verb agreement?
Because bad grammar gets noticed. And not in a good way.
2. "Is" or "Are"? How do I choose?
"Is" for one. "Are" for more than one. Simple.
3. What if the subject is buried in the middle of the sentence?
Dig it out. Find it. Everything else is just noise. Once you have the subject, the verb should follow its lead.