Verb Agreement

 Verb agreement refers to the proper matching of the subject and verb in a sentence, ensuring they agree in number (singular or plural) and person (first, second, or third). Correct verb agreement is essential for the clarity and grammatical accuracy of a sentence. Here's a detailed note on verb agreement in English grammar:

1. Basic Rules of Verb Agreement

• Singular subjects take singular verbs, and plural subjects take plural verbs.

  • Example (Singular): She works hard.
  • Example (Plural): They work hard.

• For most regular verbs, add "-s" or "-es" to the verb in the present tense when the subject is singular.

  • Example: He runs every morning.
  • Exception: For verbs ending in s, x, ch, sh, or z, add “-es” (e.g., he watches, she buzzes).

• In the past tense, regular verbs don’t change according to the subject.

  • Example: I played, she played, they played.

2. Agreement with Compound Subjects

• When two subjects are joined by “and,” the verb is usually plural.
  • Example: Tom and Jerry are friends.
• When two singular nouns are connected by “or” or “nor,” the verb is singular.
  • Example: Neither the dog nor the cat is in the room.
• If one of the subjects is plural and the other is singular, the verb agrees with the subject closest to the verb.
  • Example: Either the manager or the employees have to decide.
  • Example: Either the employees or the manager has to decide.

3. Special Cases of Verb Agreement

• Subjects joined by "either...or" or "neither...nor"

  • If one subject is singular and the other is plural, the verb agrees with the subject closest to it.
  • Example: Either the teacher or the students are responsible.

• When “everyone,” “everybody,” “someone,” “somebody,” “no one,” “nobody,” etc., are subjects, the verb is singular.

  • Example: Everyone is invited to the party.

• When “none” is the subject, it can take either a singular or plural verb, depending on the context.

  • Example: None of the cake was eaten. (singular)
  • Example: None of the students were present. (plural)

4. Agreement with Indefinite Pronouns

• Singular indefinite pronouns such as “each,” “everyone,” “someone,” “nobody,” “one,” and “anybody” take singular verbs.

  • Example: Each of the players has a unique skill.

• Plural indefinite pronouns like “both,” “few,” “several,” “many,” and “others” take plural verbs.

  • Example: Several of the team members are present.

• Indefinite pronouns that can be either singular or plural (e.g., “all,” “any,” “more,” “most,” “some”) require careful attention to the noun they refer to. If they refer to a singular noun, they take a singular verb, and if they refer to a plural noun, they take a plural verb.

  • Example (singular): All of the cake is gone.
  • Example (plural): All of the apples are fresh.

5. Agreement with Collective Nouns

• Collective nouns (e.g., team, family, audience, class) can take either singular or plural verbs, depending on whether the group is being treated as a unit (singular) or as individuals (plural).
  • Example (singular): The team is playing well.
  • Example (plural): The team are arguing among themselves.

6. Agreement with “There” and “Here”

• When "there" or "here" is used at the beginning of a sentence, the subject follows the verb, and the verb agrees with the subject.
  • Example: There are many people in the room.
  • Example: Here is the book you asked for.

7. Agreement in Complex Sentences

• In sentences with relative clauses, the verb in the relative clause agrees with the noun or pronoun it refers to.
  • Example: The teacher who teaches English is excellent. (The verb "teaches" agrees with "teacher," not "who.")
• When the subject is a clause or an infinitive phrase, the verb agrees with the subject, not with the noun within the clause or phrase.
  • Example: To see him is a pleasure. (The verb "is" agrees with "to see him," which is singular.)

8. Verb Agreement with "I" and "You"

• "I" and "you" always take the same form of the verb, regardless of the number of people involved.
  • Example: I am happy.
  • Example: You are welcome.
• Even if the subject "you" refers to a plural noun, the verb stays the same:
  • Example: You are my best friends.

Conclusion:

Verb agreement is a fundamental part of English grammar. To use verbs correctly, you need to focus on the subject’s number and person. By following the rules for verb agreement in different contexts, you can ensure your sentences are grammatically correct and convey clear meaning.