Fixing Subject–Verb Agreement Errors

Every sentence in English depends on two things to make sense: the subject and the verb. When these two do not work together properly, the sentence feels off, even if we can’t explain why.

One of the most common grammar mistakes people make is breaking the rule of subject–verb agreement. But fixing it is not difficult once you understand what it means and how it works.

This article walks you through subject–verb agreement errors in the simplest way possible. Whether you are a student, a teacher, a writer, or someone trying to improve your English, this guide gives you real-life examples, detailed explanations, and simple rules you can follow to get it right every time.

Let’s break it down in the most helpful way.

What is Subject–Verb Agreement?

Subject–verb agreement simply means that the verb in a sentence must match the subject in number. That means:

• A singular subject takes a singular verb

• A plural subject takes a plural verb

This might sound easy. And in simple sentences like “She walks to school” or “They walk to school,” the rule is clear. But once sentences become longer or more complex, many people make mistakes without even realizing it.

READ: Understanding Double Negatives in English

Let’s fix that for good.

Why Subject–Verb Agreement Matters

When your verbs do not agree with your subjects, your writing becomes confusing. It may sound unprofessional or careless. People may even misunderstand your message. If you want to write clearly, confidently, and correctly, then understanding subject–verb agreement is essential.

Common Subject–Verb Agreement Rules and Mistakes (With Examples)

We’ll explore several cases where subject–verb agreement often goes wrong and how to fix each one. For every situation, you’ll see four examples to help you understand.

1. Singular and Plural Subjects

The most basic rule is this: Singular subjects take verbs ending in s. Plural subjects do not.

Examples:

1. The dog barks every morning. (Singular subject: dog)

2. The dogs bark every morning. (Plural subject: dogs)

3. My mother cooks delicious food. (Singular subject: mother)

4. My parents cook together every weekend. (Plural subject: parents)

Fix: Check whether your subject is one thing or many, and then adjust the verb to match.

2. Subjects Joined by “and”

Two subjects connected by “and” are treated as plural, even if each part is singular.

Examples:

1. My brother and sister live in Lagos.

2. The teacher and the principal are attending the event.

3. Rice and beans make a good meal.

4. Honesty and hard work bring success.

Fix: Use a plural verb whenever the subject is made of two or more nouns joined by “and”.

3. Subjects Joined by “or” or “nor”

This one confuses many people. When two nouns are connected by “or” or “nor”, the verb should agree with the noun closest to it.

READ: Avoiding Comma Mistakes Before “Because”

Examples:

1. Neither the boys nor their coach was responsible.

2. Either the manager or the employees have the key.

3. Neither the teacher nor the students are ready.

4. Either the singer or his backup performs tonight.

Fix: Always look at the noun next to the verb and make the verb match it in number.

4. Collective Nouns

Words like “team,” “family,” “group,” or “class” refer to more than one person, but they are treated as singular unless the individuals are being highlighted.

Examples:

1. The team is winning the match.

2. The family was happy about the news.

3. The jury has reached a verdict.

4. The group was discussing the topic calmly.

Fix: Treat collective nouns as singular unless you are clearly talking about the members acting separately.

5. Indefinite Pronouns

Words like “everyone,” “someone,” “each,” and “nobody” are always singular, even if they sound plural.

Examples:

1. Everyone is welcome.

2. Each of the players has a locker.

3. Nobody knows the answer.

4. Someone needs to tell the truth.

Fix: Always use singular verbs with these pronouns, no matter how many people they seem to involve.

6. Intervening Words Between Subject and Verb

Sometimes words come between the subject and the verb and confuse us. Ignore them. Focus only on the actual subject.

READ: Affect vs. Effect Clarified with Real Examples

Examples:

1. The bag of rice is on the floor.

2. The man with the dogs walks every morning.

3. The list of items has grown longer.

4. The sound of the drums was loud.

Fix: Remove the extra information and match the verb to the main subject only.

7. Titles, Company Names, and Measurements

Even if they sound plural, titles, names of companies, and expressions of time or money are usually singular.

Examples:

1. Five thousand naira is a lot to lose.

2. Twenty minutes is all we need.

3. Nigeria’s Best Electronics sells quality gadgets.

4. “The Chronicles of Hope” is my favorite book.

Fix: Treat such expressions as singular unless clearly shown otherwise.

Graphical Guide: Quick Fix for Subject–Verb Agreement

Final Tips for Fixing Subject–Verb Agreement

1. Find the real subject: Ignore prepositional phrases like “of the group” or “with the team.” Focus on the true subject.

2. Be alert with pronouns: “Everybody,” “someone,” and “each” are always singular.

3. Be careful with lists: Items joined by “and” are plural, but those joined by “or” need attention to which comes last.

4. Read your sentence out loud: This helps catch what “sounds” wrong.

5. Practice regularly: Subject–verb agreement becomes second nature with enough exposure and correction.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the easiest way to remember subject–verb agreement rules?
Start by checking if the subject is singular or plural. If it’s one person or thing, the verb often ends in “s.” If it’s more than one, the verb usually stays in its base form. Reading your sentence aloud helps spot mistakes faster.

Are there any exceptions to subject–verb agreement?
Yes, a few. For example, the word “news” is singular even though it ends in “s.” Also, some collective nouns can be plural when individuals are being emphasized, especially in British English.

READ: Is It “Its” or “It’s”?

Why do people struggle with subject–verb agreement?
Because in speech, we often do not notice the small changes in verbs. Also, when the subject and verb are far apart, or when tricky words like “either” and “each” are involved, the mistake becomes easy to miss.

Do questions and commands follow the same rules?
Mostly yes, though the structure changes. In questions, the helping verb usually comes before the subject. For example, “Does she eat rice?” Still, “does” agrees with the singular “she.” In commands, the subject is “you” and the verb takes the base form, like “Sit down” or “Close the door.”

What about using “there is” and “there are”?
Always look at the noun that comes after it. “There is a dog in the yard” is correct because “a dog” is singular. “There are dogs in the yard” is correct because “dogs” is plural.

How can I test myself on subject–verb agreement?
Try writing short sentences using different subjects and checking if your verbs agree. You can also read books or news articles and try to spot where subject–verb rules are applied correctly. Online exercises or grammar books help too.

Is it okay to break these rules in casual writing or conversation?
In very informal speech or local dialects, people sometimes use different patterns. But in school, business, and writing meant for wide reading, it’s best to follow standard grammar.

Conclusion

Fixing subject–verb agreement is not about being perfect. It’s about being clear, confident, and consistent. When your subjects and verbs match properly, your communication becomes smoother and more professional. Whether you’re writing an email, a report, a school essay, or a social media post, mastering this one grammar rule can make all the difference.

Now that you’ve seen the common rules and examples, take some time to look back at your old writing. You’ll likely spot a few mistakes. The good news is you now know how to fix them with ease.

If you still have questions, just come back to this guide and check the section that matches your confusion. Grammar becomes easier when you think of it like a conversation between the parts of a sentence. And when the subject and the verb speak the same language, everything flows.

Let your words agree with your thoughts. And let your verbs always agree with your subjects.