4. Subject–Verb Agreement
Subject–Verb Agreement means that the verb must agree with the subject in number (singular/plural) and person.
👉 Singular subject → Singular verb
👉 Plural subject → Plural verb
4.1 Basic Rules
Rule 1: Singular Subject takes Singular Verb
- She writes well.
- He plays cricket.
- The boy is happy.
Rule 2: Plural Subject takes Plural Verb
- They write well.
- The boys play football.
- The children are happy.
Rule 3: ‘I’ and ‘You’ take Plural Verbs
- I am ready. (exception)
- You are my friend.
4.2 Important Rules and Cases
Rule 4: Subjects joined by ‘and’ take plural verb
- Ravi and Rahim are friends.
- Tea and coffee are available.
Rule 5: Subjects joined by ‘or’, ‘either…or’, ‘neither…nor’
👉 Verb agrees with the nearest subject
- Either Ram or his friends are coming.
- Either the boys or Ram is coming.
Rule 6: Indefinite Pronouns take singular verbs
- Everyone is happy.
- Someone has called you.
- Each student has a book.
Rule 7: ‘A number of’ vs ‘The number of’
- A number of students are absent. (plural)
- The number of students is increasing. (singular)
Rule 8: Collective Nouns
👉 Treated as singular (usually)
- The team is playing well.
- The committee has decided.
Rule 9: Uncountable Nouns take singular verbs
- Water is essential.
- Information is useful.
- Furniture is expensive.
Rule 10: Titles and Names (Books, Movies, Subjects)
👉 Treated as singular
- Mathematics is my favourite subject.
- The Ramayana is a great epic.
4.3 Common Errors
❌ She go to school.
✔ She goes to school.
❌ They is playing.
✔ They are playing.
❌ Everyone are happy.
✔ Everyone is happy.
Quick Recap
- Singular → verb ends with -s / -es
- Plural → base form of verb
- Match verb with subject, not with nearby words
Simple Memory Tip
👉 Look at the subject carefully before choosing the verb.
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