Subject-Verb Agreement : Rules You Need to Know
Subject-verb agreement and correct verb forms are necessary for clear, correct English. Many learners mix up forms like was/were in unreal conditionals or misuse irregular participles such as drank/drunk. This article will help you learn the rules with simple explanations and plenty of examples.
1. What Is Subject-Verb Agreement?
Subject-verb agreement means that the verb must match the subject in number (singular or plural) and person.
Basic Rules
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Singular subject → singular verb
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Plural subject → plural verb
Examples:
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✅ He plays the piano every day.
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❌ He play the guitar every day.
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✅ We play football on weekends.
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❌ We plays football on weekends.
2. Common Subject-Verb Agreement Errors
A. Words Between Subject and Verb
Ignore extra words between subject and verb.
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✅ The bouquet of flowers is beautiful.
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❌ The bouquet of flowers are beautiful.
B. Indefinite Pronouns
Some indefinite pronouns are singular, some plural, and some depend on context.
Always Singular:
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Everyone, someone, nobody, each
✅ Everyone is ready.
Always Plural:
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Few, many, several
✅ Many are waiting.
Depends on Noun After:
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Some, all, none, most
✅ Some of the cake is gone.
✅ Some of the books are missing.
3. Verb Forms: Regular and Irregular
A. Regular Verbs
Add -ed to form past and past participle.
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Play → played → played
B. Irregular Verbs
Change completely or partly. These need memorization.
| Base | Past | Past Participle |
|---|---|---|
| go | went | gone |
| drink | drank | drunk |
| write | wrote | written |
Example Mistake:
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❌ We have drank tea today.
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✅ We have drunk tea today.
4. Unreal Conditionals: Was vs. Were
In unreal or hypothetical situations, use were for all subjects.
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✅ If I were you, I would take the job.
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❌ If I was you, I would take the job.
5. Quick Tips to Avoid Errors
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Identify the real subject before choosing the verb.
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Memorize irregular verb forms and practice them.
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Remember: “If I were” is correct in hypotheticals.
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Always check whether the subject is singular or plural.
Conclusion
Subject-verb agreement and correct verb forms are necessary to make your writing and speech more professional and clear. Practice with examples and read regularly to improve your grammar.