Subject-Verb Agreement Introduction

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Feeling like grammar is never straightforward? Subject-verb agreement is here to cut you some slack. (Enjoy the sweet simplicity while it lasts.)

Here's the hard and fast rule:

Subjects must agree with their verbs in number.

Simple, right? Singular nouns take singular verbs. Plural nouns take plural verbs.

Period.

Now, just like any other grammar concern, subject-verb agreement isn't without its tips, tricks, and caveats. And so, it is with great fanfare that we present what we're calling Special Topics in Subject-Verb Agreement, starring (drumroll, please):

  • The "One –S" Rule
  • Compound subjects that use and
  • Compound subjects that use or/nor
  • I and You
  • Measurements
  • Here and There
  • None

Grab your popcorn, Shmooper, and sit back, relax (okay, don't relax too much), and learn more about subject-verb agreement.

Quiz Yourself on Subject-Verb Agreement

1/5

Can you spot the grammatical error in this sentence?


When Lola takes the stage, everyone in the cabana marvel at her costume, which includes 57 embroidered peacocks with real feathers.


(A) stage,
(B) marvel
(C) costume,
(D) 57

You just turned in the first draft of your creative writing assignment. Your teacher says he has a problem with this sentence: "The couple often sleep in different rooms since the woman snores louder than a hibernating bear." He believes your verb should be in its singular form, sleeps. How do you respond?

(A) You are totally right, sir. I don't know how I missed that subject-verb disagreement in my thorough editing process.
(B) Actually, collective nouns are usually treated as plural, so I don't see the problem here.
(C) Just as it takes two to tango, it takes two to make a couple. Therefore, the verb should be plural.
(D) Did you not happen to notice that they are acting individually? That's why I made it plural.

Identify the error in this public service announcement:


Due to severe winds raging through the area, we hereby suspend all airfare for the time being. Anybody who have kites, RC planes, or other dangerous aircraft had better keep them locked up. Don't be the poor soul who has to spend the night in county lock-up because your unicorn kite took out someone's eye.


(A) raging through
(B) who have
(C) had better
(D) locked up

Can you spot the error in this sentence?


The group of tourists to Yellowstone National Park were getting out of the bus to take pictures of Old Faithful when a new geyser erupted, sending rocks flying everywhere and wounding several.


(A) were
(B) Old Faithful
(C) erupted
(D) several

How would you correct the grammatical error in these sentences?


Everyone agree that my mother makes the best lasagna in all of western Iowa. That's why she's won our state fair's award for Best Pasta Dish ten years in a row.


(A) Change "everyone" to "all"
(B) Change "agree" to "agrees"
(C) Change "fair's" to "fairs'"
(D) Either A or B

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