Subject and Verb Agreement ensures that the subject and the verb in a sentence match in number. This agreement is essential for clear and precise communication, particularly in complex sentences. In this lesson, you will learn how to maintain this agreement effectively.
Examples
Example 1
IncorrectA list of solutions are on the board.
BetterA list of solutions is on the board.
The verb 'is' agrees with the singular subject 'list', not the plural 'solutions'.
Example 2
IncorrectThe number of students have increased this year.
BetterThe number of students has increased this year.
The verb 'has' agrees with 'the number', which is singular, not 'students'.
How It Works
Meaning
Subject-verb agreement refers to the grammatical rule that the verb must match the subject in number and person. This ensures clarity in communication, especially in complex sentences where the subject may not be immediately obvious. At the B2 level, mastering this helps in constructing grammatically correct and sophisticated sentences.
Use it when
- The subject is separated from the verb by additional phrases or clauses.
- Using collective nouns that can be singular or plural based on context.
- Constructing sentences with complex noun phrases.
- Writing formal documents where precision is crucial.
See it
Quick rules
- Identify the true subject before selecting the verb form.
- Ignore intervening phrases that do not affect subject number.
- With either/or, neither/nor, match the verb to the nearest subject.
- Collective nouns may require singular or plural verbs based on context.
Common Mistakes
Common problem 1
Matching the verb to the nearest noun instead of the true subject
WeakA series of workshops were added this term.
StrongA series of workshops was added this term.
Fix: Identify 'series' as the singular subject, not 'workshops'.
Common problem 2
Matching the verb to the noun after 'of'
WeakA range of options are available to applicants.
StrongA range of options is available to applicants.
Fix: Match the verb to 'range', which is singular.
Common problem 3
Ignoring the nearer subject in either/or patterns
WeakEither the students or the tutor are presenting first.
StrongEither the students or the tutor is presenting first.
Fix: In either/or, the verb agrees with the subject closest to it.
Practice Lab
Practice
First notice the right form. Then build it yourself. Then fix it in a full sentence.
Score: 0/3
Focus on identifying the true subject to ensure correct verb agreement.
1. Quick pick
Choose the sentence with correct subject-verb agreement.
2. Build it
Put this sentence in the correct order.
Tap a chunk to move it down. Tap it again to send it back.
3. Final sort
Mark each sentence as correct or needing a fix.
The group is meeting today.
The group are meeting today.
The committee has decided.
The committee have decided.
Why It Matters
🎯 Why it matters: Subject-verb agreement is crucial for clarity and professionalism in writing. Correct agreement helps the reader easily understand who or what is performing the action, making your writing more polished and effective.
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