sentence mechanicsBeginner • 6 min read
Subject-Verb Agreement: 10 Essential Rules
Ensure your subjects and verbs match in singular or plural number across compound subjects and prepositional phrases.
Rules & Applied Examples
Rule 1: Singular Subjects take Singular Verbs
A singular subject (he, she, the dictionary) takes a singular verb (is, has, writes).
Correct Usage
“The dictionary contains over ten thousand terms.”
Incorrect Usage
“The dictionary contain over ten thousand terms.”
Rule 2: Ignore Prepositional Phrases Between Subject and Verb
Words that come between the subject and the verb do not change the subject's number.
Correct Usage
“The box of old vintage books is in the attic.”
Incorrect Usage
“The box of old vintage books are in the attic.”
Pro-Tip: Cross out "of old vintage books" to see the core sentence: "The box is in the attic."
Rule 3: Either/Or and Neither/Nor Match the Closer Subject
When subjects are joined by "or" or "nor", the verb agrees with the subject closest to it.
Correct Usage
“Neither the professor nor the students were prepared.”
Incorrect Usage
“Neither the professor nor the students was prepared.”
Test Your Mastery: Practice Quiz
Interactive Practice Quiz
Question 1 of 2