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 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

Your job at Renzo's Italian Grill includes proofreading the signs you and your co-workers post around the restaurant. Which sentence on this notice of the House Rules would you correct?

(A) Eating outside food and beverages on the premises are prohibited.
(B) Diners must wear shirts and shoes at all times.
(C) An 18% gratuity will be added to checks for parties of 6 or more.
(D) Please do not use your hands to consume spaghetti.

Which of the following sentences are grammatically incorrect?

I. My dad thinks that the police conspires against him, but my mom says he's just been watching too many heist movies.

II. The cattle was grazing peacefully in the pasture at the time, but none of them seemed to notice the 6.2 earthquake that hit.

III. Though people often grow impatient when waiting in long lines, I take the time to relax and meditate on the beauty of life.

(A) I
(B) I and II
(C) III
(D) All of them

All of these sentences are grammatically correct… except for one. Which is it?

(A) I eat a piece of dark chocolate after every single meal to keep my dangerous sweet tooth in check.
(B) The Sugarie twins have the enviable job of taste testing for Nabisco, but all those Oreos can make them a little queasy.
(C) Grandpa pretends that he doesn't like caramel, but the box of Twix I bought him magically disappeared within hours.
(D) My family members doesn't believe that I can bake, so I plan on proving them wrong by making a beautiful soufflé.

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

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