A Look at Subject-Verb Agreements
Subject-verb agreement is a fundamental aspect of English grammar that ESL students must master to improve their writing skills.
It is also one of the most common struggles that English language learners face when looking to improve their writing skills.
Today, we will go over some practical tips to help you better understand subject-verb agreement and avoid simple mistakes.
What is a subject-verb agreement (SVA)?
Well, SVA means that the subject of a sentence must agree in number (singular or plural) with the verb.
A singular subject requires a singular verb, and a plural subject requires a plural verb.
🔸 Singular subject examples:
1. The girl walks home alone.
2. Fred never eats dinner with his parents.
🔸 Plural subject examples:
1. The girls walk home alone.
2. The boys never eat dinner with their parents.
As you can see in the examples above, it’s important to pay close attention to the subject of your sentence. The subject is the noun or pronoun that is doing the action or is being described. The subject will then determine the form of the verb that follows.
🔸 Singular Subject:
If the subject is singular → the verb is singular.
The cat plays with a toy.
The cat (singular) → plays (singular)
🔸 Plural Subjects:
If the subject is plural → the verb is plural.
The kids play with their toys.
The kids (singular) → play (plural)
⚠️ Important note: what is most confusing for English language learners is that the singular verb carries an S at the end. Beware that this is only true when using the present tense of a verb. ⚠️
🔸 Agreement with a compound subject
A compound subject is a when a sentence has two or more subject joined by ‘and’. For example, Fred and George play hockey. Fred and George would be the compound subject and compound subjects are plural and should be followed by a plural verb.
🔸 Agreement with indefinite pronouns
Indefinite pronouns, such as everyone, someone, or everybody, are singular and require singular verbs.
Everyone likes to play soccer.
Someone needs to help her.
Everybody listens to the Beatles.
To practice subject-verb agreement, click on the following resource:
Remember, practicing will help you build those writing skills and master this slice of grammar!
I believe in you!
Your English Writing Coach,
Sabrina 😊