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

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You just turned in the first draft of your creative writing assignment. Your teacher says he has a problem with this sentence: "The couple often sleep in different rooms since the woman snores louder than a hibernating bear." He believes your verb should be in its singular form, sleeps. How do you respond?

(A) You are totally right, sir. I don't know how I missed that subject-verb disagreement in my thorough editing process.
(B) Actually, collective nouns are usually treated as plural, so I don't see the problem here.
(C) Just as it takes two to tango, it takes two to make a couple. Therefore, the verb should be plural.
(D) Did you not happen to notice that they are acting individually? That's why I made it plural.

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.

Can you spot the grammatical error in this sentence?


When Lola takes the stage, everyone in the cabana marvel at her costume, which includes 57 embroidered peacocks with real feathers.


(A) stage,
(B) marvel
(C) costume,
(D) 57

Fill in the blank:


You might be surprised to learn that macaroni and cheese ___________ invented by that versatile statesman and Renaissance man Thomas Jefferson.


(A) were
(B) was
(C) had been
(D) Both A and B

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.

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