Subject-Verb Agreement: The Complete Guide with Rules, Examples & Exercises

Master Subject-Verb Agreement with this complete guide covering all rules, common errors, examples, and exercises with answers. Perfect for students, teachers, and competitive exam aspirants.

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What is Subject-Verb Agreement?

Subject-Verb Agreement is one of the most fundamental rules in English grammar. It states that a verb must agree with its subject in number and person. In simple terms, a singular subject takes a singular verb, and a plural subject takes a plural verb.

Getting this rule right is the difference between writing that sounds polished and writing that sounds careless — and it is tested heavily in school examinations, competitive tests, and professional writing.

Basic Examples:

• She writes beautifully. (singular subject → singular verb)

• They write beautifully. (plural subject → plural verb)

• The dog barks at strangers. (singular)

• The dogs bark at strangers. (plural)

  
  

Understanding this basic principle is easy. The challenge lies in the many special cases and exceptions that English throws at us — and that is exactly what this guide will walk you through, rule by rule.

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RULE 1 — Singular and Plural Subjects

The most basic rule: a singular subject takes a singular verb (usually ending in -s or -es in the present tense), and a plural subject takes a plural verb (without -s or -es).

Examples:

• The bird sings every morning. (singular)

• The birds sing every morning. (plural)

• A child needs love and discipline.

• Children need love and discipline.

• The teacher explains clearly.

• The teachers explain clearly.

• 
  

Common Mistake: Students often confuse a noun ending in -s (plural) with a verb ending in -s (singular). Remember — when the noun is plural, the verb drops the -s.

Exercise 1 — Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the verb.

1. The girl ______ (run) to school every day.

2. The boys ______ (play) cricket in the evening.

3. A dog ______ (bark) when it senses danger.

4. The students ______ (study) hard before examinations.

5. She ______ (cook) dinner for the whole family.

6. Birds ______ (migrate) to warmer regions in winter.

7. The teacher ______ (check) our notebooks regularly.

8. He ______ (not/like) crowded places.

9. The children ______ (make) a lot of noise.

10. A nurse ______ (take) care of patients.

    
    

Answers: 1-runs, 2-play, 3-barks, 4-study, 5-cooks, 6-migrate, 7-checks, 8-does not like, 9-make, 10-takes

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RULE 2 — Collective Nouns

A collective noun refers to a group of people, animals, or things as a single unit. Words like team, jury, committee, class, family, army, crew, staff, government, audience, public, council, media, company are collective nouns.

The golden rule for collective nouns:

• If the group is acting together as a unit → use a singular verb

• If the members are acting individually or separately → use a plural verb

Examples:

Singular (acting as one):

• The team has won the championship.

• The jury was unanimous in its decision.

• The committee has approved the proposal.

• The family is going on a holiday.

Plural (acting individually):

• The team are arguing about their positions.

• The jury were divided in their opinions.

• The family have different views on the matter.

• The staff are unhappy about the new policy.

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Important note on specific collective nouns:

Collective Noun	Singular Use	Plural Use
Government	The government has passed the bill.	The government are divided on this issue.
Audience	The audience was large.	The audience were clapping at different times.
Media	The media is powerful.	The media are covering the event differently.
Crew	The crew was ready.	The crew were assigned different duties.
Public	The public is concerned.	The public are expressing different opinions.

Exercise 2 — Choose the correct verb.

1. The committee (has/have) decided to postpone the meeting.

2. The audience (was/were) divided in their reaction to the film.

3. Our family (is/are) very close-knit.

4. The jury (was/were) unable to reach a unanimous verdict.

5. The staff (has/have) been asked to attend the training session together.

6. The crew (is/are) assigned to different sections of the ship.

7. The public (is/are) advised to remain indoors during the storm.

8. The government (has/have) approved the new education policy.

9. The media (is/are) reporting contradictory facts about the incident.

10. The team (has/have) lost three members due to injuries.

    
    

Answers: 1-has, 2-were, 3-is, 4-were, 5-has, 6-are, 7-is, 8-has, 9-are, 10-has

RULE 3 — Compound Subjects (And / Or / Nor)

When two or more subjects are joined by a conjunction, the verb changes depending on which conjunction is used.

A — Subjects joined by AND

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

Examples:

• Ram and Shyam are best friends.

• Honesty and hard work lead to success.

• The principal and the teachers have agreed on the new schedule.

• She and her sister go to the same school.

  
  

Exception 1: When two nouns joined by 'and' refer to the same person or thing, the verb is singular.

• The director and producer is attending the premiere. (one person holding both roles)

• Bread and butter is my favourite breakfast. (considered one item)

• The sum and substance of his speech was inspiring.

Exception 2: When two singular nouns joined by 'and' are preceded by each or every, the verb is singular.

• Every student and every teacher is expected to attend.

• Each boy and each girl has been given a certificate.

  
  

B — Subjects joined by OR / NOR / EITHER...OR / NEITHER...NOR

When subjects are joined by or, nor, either...or, neither...nor, the verb agrees with the subject closest to it (the nearer subject rule).

Examples:

• Either the manager or the employees are responsible.

• Either the employees or the manager is responsible.

• Neither the students nor the teacher was present.

• Neither the teacher nor the students were present.

• He or his friends have taken the book.

• His friends or he has taken the book.

Memory Tip: With OR/NOR — look RIGHT. The verb agrees with the subject to its right (the one closest to the verb).

Exercise 3 — Fill in the blanks with the correct verb.

1. Riya and Priya ______ (be) in the same class.

2. Either the student or the teachers ______ (be) wrong.

3. Neither the principal nor the staff ______ (know) about the incident.

4. The coach and the captain ______ (have) agreed on the strategy.

5. Every boy and every girl ______ (be) expected to participate.

6. Either she or her friends ______ (have) taken my pen.

7. Rice and curry ______ (be) his favourite meal.

8. Neither the director nor the actors ______ (be) satisfied with the result.

9. Each student and each teacher ______ (have) received the notice.

10. Oil and water ______ (not/mix).

    
    

Answers: 1-are, 2-are, 3-knows, 4-have, 5-is, 6-have, 7-is, 8-are, 9-has, 10-do not mix

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RULE 4 — Indefinite Pronouns as Subjects

Indefinite pronouns are pronouns that do not refer to any specific person or thing. They require careful attention because some are always singular, some always plural, and some can be either.

Always Singular:

everyone, everyone, everybody, everything, someone, somebody, something, anyone, anybody, anything, no one, nobody, nothing, each, either, neither, one

Examples:

• Everyone in the class has submitted the assignment.

• Someone has left their bag in the corridor.

• Each of the students is responsible for their project.

• Neither of the answers is correct.

• Nobody in the team was aware of the change.

• Either of the routes leads to the station.

  
  

Common Error: Students often write "Everyone have" or "Each of the students are" — both are wrong. These indefinite pronouns always take singular verbs.

Always Plural:

both, few, many, several, others

Examples:

• Both of the players have been injured.

• Many students were absent during the test.

• Few of them know the truth.

• Several teachers have raised the issue.

  
  

Singular or Plural depending on context:

some, any, none, all, most

With these, look at the noun in the prepositional phrase that follows.

Examples:

• Some of the milk has been spilled. (milk = uncountable = singular)

• Some of the students have arrived. (students = plural)

• All of the work is done. (work = uncountable = singular)

• All of the books are on the shelf. (books = plural)

• None of the information is accurate. (information = uncountable)

• None of the boys were present. (boys = plural)

  
  

Exercise 4 — Choose the correct verb.

1. Everyone in the hall (was/were) asked to remain seated.

2. Both of the answers (is/are) incorrect.

3. Each of the players (has/have) been given a jersey.

4. Neither of the solutions (work/works) in this case.

5. Some of the food (has/have) gone bad.

6. Many of the students (has/have) not completed their homework.

7. All of the water (has/have) evaporated.

8. Few of the participants (was/were) satisfied with the arrangements.

9. Nobody (know/knows) where he went.

10. Some of the furniture (is/are) damaged.

    
    

Answers: 1-was, 2-are, 3-has, 4-works, 5-has, 6-have, 7-has, 8-were, 9-knows, 10-is

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RULE 5 — Nouns Plural in Form but Singular in Meaning

Some nouns look plural because they end in -s, but they are actually singular in meaning and always take a singular verb. These are commonly tested in examinations.

Subjects/Fields of Study:

Mathematics, Physics, Economics, Statistics, Civics, Ethics, Linguistics, Phonetics, Aerobics, Gymnastics, Athletics

Examples:

• Mathematics is my favourite subject.

• Physics has many practical applications.

• Economics is a fascinating field of study.

• Statistics is used in almost every industry.

• Linguistics deals with the study of language.

  
  

Diseases:

Mumps, Measles, Rabies, Rickets, Shingles

Examples:

• Mumps is a common childhood disease.

• Measles has been largely eliminated through vaccination.

• Rabies is a serious and fatal disease.

  
  

News, Games, and Others:

News, Billiards, Darts, Draughts, Checkers

Examples:

• The news is disturbing today.

• Billiards is a popular indoor sport.

• Darts is played in many countries.

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RULE 6 — Nouns Singular in Form but Plural in Meaning

Some nouns look singular but refer to multiple things and take plural verbs. These are called plurale tantum (words that only exist in the plural form) or words that naturally come in pairs.

Items that come in pairs (always plural):

scissors, trousers, jeans, spectacles, goggles, binoculars, tongs, pliers, shears, compasses, pincers, shorts, pyjamas, bellows, scales

Examples:

• Scissors are kept in the top drawer.

• Trousers are not allowed in this school.

• My spectacles have been misplaced.

• Binoculars are used for watching distant objects.

• Pliers are made of metal.

• Tongs are used for holding hot objects.

  
  

Important: When you use "a pair of" before these nouns, the verb becomes singular.

• A pair of scissors is on the table.

• A pair of trousers was found at the reception.

• A pair of spectacles has been left behind.

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Exercise 5 — Fill in the blanks with the correct verb.

1. The news from the border ______ (be) alarming.

2. Mathematics ______ (require) both logic and practice.

3. My trousers ______ (be) too long — I need to get them shortened.

4. Measles ______ (spread) through contact with infected persons.

5. A pair of scissors ______ (be) needed for this craft activity.

6. Physics ______ (be) the study of matter and energy.

7. His spectacles ______ (be) broken in the accident.

8. The pliers ______ (be) missing from the toolbox.

9. Darts ______ (be) a game of precision and skill.

10. A pair of binoculars ______ (help) in birdwatching.

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Answers: 1-is, 2-requires, 3-are, 4-spreads, 5-is, 6-is, 7-were, 8-are, 9-is, 10-helps

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RULE 7 — Intervening Phrases and Clauses

One of the most common sources of error in subject-verb agreement is when a phrase or clause comes between the subject and the verb. Students mistakenly make the verb agree with the nearest noun, which may not be the actual subject.

The rule: Always identify the true subject of the sentence and ignore any intervening phrase.

Common intervening phrases:

• along with

• together with

• as well as

• in addition to

• accompanied by

• including

• except

• with

• rather than

Key rule: These phrases do NOT make the subject plural. The verb still agrees with the original subject.

Examples:

• The principal, along with the teachers, is attending the conference.

• Riya, as well as her friends, has been selected.

• The manager, together with his staff, is working on the project.

• The teacher, in addition to the students, was present at the function.

• She, accompanied by her parents, is visiting the school.

• He, rather than his brothers, is responsible for this.

• Everyone except the seniors is required to attend.

  
  

How to test: Remove the intervening phrase and check — what remains is the true subject.

"The principal, along with the teachers, is attending." Remove "along with the teachers" → The principal is attending. ✅

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Exercise 6 — Fill in the blanks by identifying the true subject.

1. The headmaster, along with his staff, ______ (be) attending the seminar.

2. She, as well as her sisters, ______ (have) qualified for the finals.

3. The players, together with their coach, ______ (be) travelling by train.

4. Ravi, accompanied by his parents, ______ (be) meeting the principal.

5. The committee, in addition to the board members, ______ (have) rejected the proposal.

6. He, rather than his colleagues, ______ (be) responsible for the delay.

7. The CEO, along with his directors, ______ (be) present at the inauguration.

8. My friend, as well as my cousins, ______ (be) coming to my birthday party.

9. The teacher, together with the students, ______ (have) planted trees in the school garden.

10. Everyone except the captain ______ (be) ready to leave.

    
    

Answers: 1-is, 2-has, 3-are, 4-is, 5-has, 6-is, 7-is, 8-is, 9-has, 10-is

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RULE 8 — Special Cases

A — There is / There are

When a sentence begins with there, the verb agrees with the real subject that follows the verb.

Examples:

• There is a book on the table. (book = singular)

• There are three books on the table. (books = plural)

• There is a problem with the plan.

• There are several problems with the plan.

• There was a dog outside.

• There were many dogs outside.

  
  

B — Relative Pronouns (Who / Which / That)

When who, which, or that is used as a subject in a relative clause, the verb agrees with the antecedent (the noun the pronoun refers to).

Examples:

• She is one of those teachers who inspire students. (teachers inspire)

• He is the only one of the students who has submitted the form. (one has)

• The books that are on the shelf belong to the library.

• The book that is on the shelf belongs to the library.

  
  

Tricky pattern — "One of those who":

• She is one of those writers who write honestly. (writers = plural → write)

• He is one of those players who play with passion.

  
  

"The only one of those who":

• She is the only one of the writers who writes honestly. (one = singular → writes)

  
  

C — Titles of Books, Films, Subjects, Countries

When a title or name is used as a subject — even if it looks plural — it takes a singular verb.

Examples:

• "The Outsiders" is a popular novel.

• "Three Idiots" is a brilliant film.

• The United States is a powerful nation.

• The Arabian Nights is a classic collection of stories.

  
  

D — Arithmetic Expressions

• Addition and multiplication → usually singular

• Division and subtraction → can be singular

Examples:

• Two plus two is four.

• Five times three is fifteen.

• Ten divided by two is five.

  
  

Exercise 7 — Mixed Special Cases

1. There ______ (be) a large crowd at the entrance.

2. There ______ (be) many complaints about the new policy.

3. She is one of those students who ______ (work) very hard.

4. He is the only one of the players who ______ (arrive) on time.

5. "The Jungle Book" ______ (be) a wonderful story.

6. There ______ (be) no reason to worry.

7. The United States ______ (have) a very large economy.

8. She is one of those teachers who ______ (inspire) students.

9. Four plus four ______ (be) eight.

10. There ______ (be) a pen and two notebooks on the table.

    
    

Answers: 1-is/was, 2-are/were, 3-work, 4-has arrived, 5-is, 6-is, 7-has, 8-inspire, 9-is, 10-is

RULE 9 — Distances, Weights, Amounts, and Periods of Time

When a sentence refers to a specific quantity, distance, weight, amount of money, or period of time as a single unit, the verb is singular, even if the noun looks plural.

Examples:

• Ten kilometres is a long distance to walk.

• Three hours is not enough time for this task.

• Five thousand rupees is a reasonable amount.

• Twenty kilograms is the maximum weight allowed.

• Two weeks is a short time to learn a new language.

• Fifty percent of the work is complete.

  
  

Contrast:

• Fifty percent of the students are absent today. (students = plural)

• Fifty percent of the water has evaporated. (water = uncountable)

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Exercise 8 — Fill in the blanks.

1. Fifteen kilometres ______ (be) too far to walk in this heat.

2. Two hours ______ (be) not enough to complete this paper.

3. Three thousand rupees ______ (be) the cost of the course.

4. Fifty percent of the students ______ (have) passed the examination.

5. Fifty percent of the rice ______ (have) been distributed.

6. Ten years ______ (be) a long time to wait.

7. Forty kilograms ______ (be) the limit for baggage.

8. Seventy percent of the work ______ (be) already done.

   
   

Answers: 1-is, 2-is, 3-is, 4-have, 5-has, 6-is, 7-is, 8-is

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COMPREHENSIVE MIXED EXERCISE — Test Your Understanding

Section A — Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the verb.

1. The news about the floods ______ (be) very disturbing.

2. Neither of the two candidates ______ (be) suitable for the post.

3. Physics and Mathematics ______ (be) her strongest subjects.

4. A pair of jeans ______ (be) kept on the chair.

5. The committee ______ (have) unanimously passed the resolution.

6. Some of the furniture ______ (be) damaged in the fire.

7. Five kilometres ______ (be) too long a distance for an unfit person.

8. Everyone except the monitors ______ (be) required to clean the classroom.

9. She is one of those writers who ______ (believe) in simple language.

10. There ______ (be) a number of complaints registered this week.

    
    

Section B — Identify and correct the error in each sentence.

1. The jury have unanimously declared the verdict.

2. Mathematics are not as difficult as people think.

3. A pair of scissors are kept in the drawer.

4. Neither of the students have submitted the form.

5. The principal, along with the teachers, are attending the meeting.

6. Everyone in the auditorium were clapping loudly.

7. There is many reasons to feel hopeful.

8. Ten hours are a long time to wait.

9. Each of the boys have been given a certificate.

10. She is one of those artists who paints from the heart.

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Section C — Error Correction Answers

1. The jury has unanimously declared the verdict. (acting as a unit)

2. Mathematics is not as difficult as people think. (singular in meaning)

3. A pair of scissors is kept in the drawer. (pair of = singular)

4. Neither of the students has submitted the form. (neither = singular)

5. The principal, along with the teachers, is attending. (intervening phrase)

6. Everyone in the auditorium was clapping. (everyone = singular)

7. There are many reasons to feel hopeful. (reasons = plural)

8. Ten hours is a long time to wait. (period of time = singular)

9. Each of the boys has been given a certificate. (each = singular)

10. She is one of those artists who paint from the heart. (artists = plural)

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Quick Reference — Subject-Verb Agreement Cheat Sheet

Rule	Key Point	Verb
Basic rule	Singular subject	Singular verb
Basic rule	Plural subject	Plural verb
Collective noun (united)	Team, jury, committee acting as one	Singular
Collective noun (divided)	Members acting individually	Plural
Joined by AND	Two different subjects	Plural
Joined by OR/NOR	Agree with nearer subject	Varies
Indefinite pronouns	everyone, each, neither, either	Singular
Indefinite pronouns	both, many, few, several	Plural
-ics words	Mathematics, Physics, Economics	Singular
Diseases	Mumps, Measles, Rabies	Singular
Pair items	Scissors, trousers, spectacles	Plural
A pair of + item	A pair of scissors	Singular
Intervening phrase	Along with, as well as, together with	Ignore phrase; agree with main subject
There is/are	Agree with the real subject after verb	Varies
Distances/time/amounts	As a single unit	Singular
Titles	Book/film titles	Singular

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake 1: Making the verb agree with the nearest noun instead of the true subject. ❌ The quality of the apples are poor. ✅ The quality of the apples is poor. (quality = subject)

Mistake 2: Treating collective nouns as always singular. ❌ The jury was divided in their opinions. ✅ The jury were divided in their opinions. (acting individually)

Mistake 3: Using plural verbs with indefinite pronouns. ❌ Everyone have done their best. ✅ Everyone has done their best.

Mistake 4: Forgetting that -ics words are singular. ❌ Statistics are a difficult subject. ✅ Statistics is a difficult subject.

Mistake 5: Making "a pair of" sentences plural. ❌ A pair of shoes are on the floor. ✅ A pair of shoes is on the floor.

Key Takeaways

Subject-Verb Agreement is not a collection of arbitrary rules — it is the language's way of keeping its subjects and verbs in conversation with each other. Master these rules, practise consistently, and you will find that correct agreement starts to feel natural rather than laboured.

Related Post

Determiners | Types, Uses & Examples with Exercises | English Grammar

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Note: Refer to Verb & its Forms here.

Rule 1

If the two nouns suggest one idea or refer to the same person or thing, the verb is put in the Singular number.

• Bread butter is her only food.

• My friend and adviser is sick.

Rule 2

When two or more singular subjects are connected by ‘or, not, either…or, neither….nor, the Singular Verb is used.

• He or his friend knows the secret.

• Either you or your brother has seen him.

• Neither he nor his friend was there.

Rule 3

If one of the subjects is ‘ in the plural’ the verb also must be ‘plural’

e.g. Either you or your brothers have seen the match.

Rule 4

When the subjects joined by or or nor are in different persons, the verb agrees in person with the subject nearest to it.

• Either he or I am mistaken.

• Neither you nor he is to blame.

Note: The above sentences can also be written in a better way as the following.

• Either he is mistaken or I am

• Neither you nor he is to blame.

Rule 5

When two subjects are joined by ‘as well as’, the verb agrees in number and person with the first subject.

• The leader as well as his followers was excited. ( not were excited..)

• My teachers as well as I was invited to the party. ( not were invited..)

Rule 6

Words like ‘’either, neither, each, everyone, Many a’’ must be followed by a singular verb.

• Either of the two books reveals the idea.

• Neither of the two girls has passed the exam.

• Each of the boys is intelligent.

• Everyone of the boys is studious.

• Many a girl has attended the party. (‘many a girl’ means ‘many girls’)

Rule 7

Two nouns qualified by ‘each’ and ‘every’ though connected by ‘and’ requires a ‘singular verb’.

• Each and every man has his own ways.

• Every boy and every girl is given chances.

Rule 8

A collective noun takes a singular verb if it is regarded as a whole. But it takes plural verb if it is regarded as a number of individuals.

• The assembly has issued a circular. ( taken as a whole)

• The assembly have issued a circular ( when members are taken individually)

Rule 9

When a plural noun names a quantity or an amount as a whole, its verb is in singular.

• Twenty thousand rupees is a large sum.

• A hundred thousand rupees is a lakh.

• The thousand rupees you gave me yesterday is pick-pocketed.

Rule 10

When a singular noun or a pronoun is joined to another noun or pronoun by ‘with, besides, and not, together with, no less than, etc, the verb is singular.

• The shop with its goods was gutted in fire.

• The ship with its crew was sunk.

• He no less than you is guilty.

• No one besides Sohan knows it.

• The teacher together with his students has watched the match.

Rule 11

In modern day usage, ‘none’ is followed by plural verbs.

• None of his answers are correct.

• None of these facts are correct.

• Are there any boys in the hostel? There are none.

Rule 12

Verbs take singular or plural in the following cases depending on whether the two profiles denote the same person or two different persons.

• The secretary and Chairman was present in the meeting. ( Same Person)

• The secretary and the Chairman were present in the meeting. ( different persons)

Recommended Resource for Self-Study Given Below

Subject Verb AgreementResources.pdf

Download PDF • 3.86MB

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