Subject-verb agreement refers to the rule that the subject and verb of a clause must match or agree with each other in number. A singular subject requires a singular verb, while a plural subject requires a plural verb. There are several rules that govern subject-verb agreement, including exceptions for certain pronouns like "everybody" and collective nouns.

1. Subject-VerbSubject-Verb
AgreementAgreement

2. What is Subject-VerbWhat is Subject-Verb
Agreement?Agreement?
Subject-verb agreementSubject-verb agreement means your subject andmeans your subject and
verb must match, or agree, in number.verb must match, or agree, in number.
 If you have a singular subject, you must use a singularIf you have a singular subject, you must use a singular
verb.verb.
 The babyThe baby criescries when she is hungry.when she is hungry.
 If you have a plural subject, you must use a plural verb.If you have a plural subject, you must use a plural verb.
 BabiesBabies crycry when they are hungry.when they are hungry.

3. Subject-Verb AgreementSubject-Verb Agreement
It is important to remember how singular andIt is important to remember how singular and
plural verbs are formedplural verbs are formed
 The singular form ends in an – s or esThe singular form ends in an – s or es
The mechanicThe mechanic fixesfixes cars.cars.
 The plural form doesThe plural form does notnot end in an – send in an – s
 The mechanicsThe mechanics fixfix cars.cars.

4. Rules governing Subject-VerbRules governing Subject-Verb
AgreeemntAgreeemnt
 Linking verbs must agree with the subject, not with theLinking verbs must agree with the subject, not with the
word or phrase that describes the subject.word or phrase that describes the subject.
 Incorrect: The worstIncorrect: The worst threatthreat to your pet’s healthto your pet’s health are ticksare ticks
 Correct: The worstCorrect: The worst threatthreat to your pet’s healthto your pet’s health isis ticks.ticks.
The noun “The noun “threat”threat” is the subject and is singular, so the verb “is”is the subject and is singular, so the verb “is”
must be used to agree with it.must be used to agree with it.

5. Rules governing S-V AgreementRules governing S-V Agreement

6. Rules governing S-V AgreementRules governing S-V Agreement
An exception to the intervening phrase ruleAn exception to the intervening phrase rule
occurs when the subject is one of these fiveoccurs when the subject is one of these five
pronouns: some, many, all , none, most.pronouns: some, many, all , none, most.
In these cases, you must consider the words inIn these cases, you must consider the words in
the phrase to help you choose the right verb.the phrase to help you choose the right verb.
 Incorrect: Most of the money are gone.Incorrect: Most of the money are gone.
 Correct: Most of the money is gone.Correct: Most of the money is gone.
 Incorrect: All of the puppies is hungry.Incorrect: All of the puppies is hungry.
 Incorrect: All of the puppies are hungry.Incorrect: All of the puppies are hungry.

7. Rules governing S-V AgreementRules governing S-V Agreement
Remember that pronouns such as “everybody”Remember that pronouns such as “everybody”
“everyone” are singular even though they“everyone” are singular even though they
seem to refer to more than one person.seem to refer to more than one person.
 Incorrect: Everybody in our classIncorrect: Everybody in our class areare going to thegoing to the
prom.prom.
 Correct: Everybody in our classCorrect: Everybody in our class isis going to the prom.going to the prom.

8. Rules governing S-V AgreementRules governing S-V Agreement
 If joined byIf joined by oror //nornor, the subjects are, the subjects are notnot combined. Thecombined. The
verb must agree with whichever subject is closest to it.verb must agree with whichever subject is closest to it.
 Either the roof or the windowsEither the roof or the windows areare leaking.leaking.
 Either the windows or the roofEither the windows or the roof is leakingis leaking..

9. Rules governing subject-Rules governing subject-
verb agreementverb agreement
 Sentences that ask a question.Sentences that ask a question.
 Has the storm passed ?Has the storm passed ?
 Turn the sentence into a statement.Turn the sentence into a statement.
 The storm has passed.The storm has passed.
 Sentences that begin withSentences that begin with HereHere oror ThereThere..
 Here is your paycheck.Here is your paycheck.
 There were three more puzzles completed by this class.There were three more puzzles completed by this class.
To ascertain the correct verb form, turn the sentence around.To ascertain the correct verb form, turn the sentence around.
 Your paycheckYour paycheck isis here.here.
 Three moreThree more puzzlespuzzles were completed bywere completed by this class.this class.

10. Rules governing S-VRules governing S-V
AgreementAgreement
 Collective nouns are a special considerationCollective nouns are a special consideration
 Most collective nouns refer to a group acting as oneMost collective nouns refer to a group acting as one
unit; therefore, they are treated as singular and mustunit; therefore, they are treated as singular and must
have a singular verb.have a singular verb.
 TheThe familyfamily ridesrides bikes together each day.bikes together each day.
 TheThe teamteam practicespractices every Saturday.every Saturday.