Subject Verb Agreement: Right and Wrong Examples
As a writer or editor, it’s crucial to have a clear understanding of subject-verb agreement. This concept refers to the agreement in number between a subject and its verb. In simple terms, it means that singular subjects take singular verbs while plural subjects take plural verbs. Let’s look at some right and wrong examples of subject-verb agreement to help you avoid common mistakes.
Right: The dog chases the cat.
Wrong: The dog chase the cat.
Explanation: “Dog” is a singular subject, so the verb “chases” needs to be singular as well.
Right: The students are studying for their exams.
Wrong: The students is studying for their exams.
Explanation: “Students” is a plural subject, so the verb “are studying” needs to be plural as well.
Right: She sings beautifully.
Wrong: She sing beautifully.
Explanation: “She” is a singular subject, so the verb “sings” needs to be singular as well.
Right: They have been waiting for over an hour.
Wrong: They has been waiting for over an hour.
Explanation: “They” is a plural subject, so the verb “have been waiting” needs to be plural as well.
Right: The book that I am reading is very interesting.
Wrong: The book that I am reading are very interesting.
Explanation: “Book” is a singular subject, so the verb “is” needs to be singular as well.
Right: The team is practicing for the big game.
Wrong: The team are practicing for the big game.
Explanation: “Team” is a singular subject, so the verb “is practicing” needs to be singular as well.
Right: The company has announced its new product line.
Wrong: The company have announced their new product line.
Explanation: “Company” is a singular subject, so the verb “has announced” needs to be singular as well.
Right: The girls are playing in the park.
Wrong: The girls is playing in the park.
Explanation: “Girls” is a plural subject, so the verb “are playing” needs to be plural as well.
Right: My family is planning a vacation.
Wrong: My family are planning a vacation.
Explanation: “Family” is a singular subject, so the verb “is planning” needs to be singular as well.
Right: Everyone needs to be ready by noon.
Wrong: Everyone need to be ready by noon.
Explanation: “Everyone” is a singular subject, so the verb “needs” needs to be singular as well.
In conclusion, subject-verb agreement is an important grammar concept that can affect the clarity of your writing. Make sure to check that your subject and verb agree in number to avoid common mistakes.
