Subject-verb agreement is one of the most important grammar rules in English. It means that the subject and the verb in a sentence must match in number. A singular subject takes a singular verb, while a plural subject takes a plural verb. Learning this rule helps you write clear, correct, and professional sentences.
What Is Subject-Verb Agreement?
The subject is the person, place, thing, or idea that performs the action. The verb describes the action or state of the subject.
For example:
The dog runs fast.
The dogs run fast.
In the first sentence, “dog” is singular, so the singular verb “runs” is used. In the second sentence, “dogs” is plural, so the plural verb “run” is correct.
Basic Rules of Subject-Verb Agreement
1. Singular Subjects Use Singular Verbs
A singular noun usually takes a verb ending in -s in the present tense.
Examples:
She writes every day.
The cat sleeps on the sofa.
My brother enjoys football.
2. Plural Subjects Use Plural Verbs
Plural subjects use the base form of the verb.
Examples:
They write every day.
The cats sleep on the sofa.
My brothers enjoy football.