Subject Verb Agreement means that the verb in a sentence must agree with the subject in terms of number and person.
In this post, we present you with the top 150+ Subject Verb Agreement Examples.
150+ Subject Verb Agreement Examples
Subject Verb Agreement Examples #1
- The water is refreshing. (Uncountable noun, singular verb)
- The furniture needs cleaning. (Uncountable noun, singular verb)
The above examples adhere to the following rule:
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Uncountable nouns take singular verbs, even if their meaning suggests plurality.
Subject Verb Agreement Examples #2
- The cat jumps on the table. (Singular subject, singular verb)
- The dogs bark loudly. (Plural subject, plural verb)
- If she were a bird, she would fly in the sky. (Singular subject, plural verb in the subjunctive mood)
- If I were the President, we would abolish the exam. (Plural subject, plural verb in the subjunctive mood)
The above examples adhere to the following rule:
A singular subject requires a singular verb, while a plural subject requires a plural verb. However, a singular subject takes a plural verb in the subjunctive mood.
Subject Verb Agreement Examples #3
- The Headmaster and President of the school is coming. (referring to one person holding both positions)
- The Headmaster and the President of the school are coming. (referring to two different individuals)
- A black and white horse is my favorite. (referring to a horse with both black and white colors)
- A black and a white horse are for sale. (referring to two horses, one black and one white)
The above examples adhere to the following rule:
When two singular nouns combine to refer to a single person or object, the verb is singular.
Subject Verb Agreement Examples #4
- The rich are often targeted by thieves.
- The young are full of energy and enthusiasm.
- The poor are not always dishonest.
- The elderly are wise and experienced.
The above examples adhere to the following rule:
When an adjective is used as a noun, “the + adjective” is followed by a plural verb.
Subject Verb Agreement Examples #5
- “The Beatles” was a legendary band.
- “The United States” is a country with diverse landscapes.
- “The Rolling Stones” is known for their energetic performances.
The above examples adhere to the following rule:
When a title or name with a plural form refers to a singular subject, a singular verb is used.
Subject Verb Agreement Examples #6
- Every student has a textbook.
- Each cat was fed this morning.
- Every car in the parking lot needs to be moved.
The above examples adhere to the following rule:
Subjects connected by “each” or “every” always take a singular verb.
Subject Verb Agreement Examples #7
- Lisa and Pamela are two sisters.
- She and her friend have arrived here.
- Only boys and no girls are guilty.
- Only he and not his friends is the culprit. (Note: In this example, the verb agrees with the subject ‘he’ because it is the last subject before the negation ‘not’.)
The above examples adhere to the following rule:
When two or more subjects are connected by ‘and’, the verb is plural. However, if one of the subjects connected by ‘and’ is negated with ‘no’ or ‘not’, the verb agrees with the previous subject.
Subject Verb Agreement Examples #8
- Either the cat or the dog is responsible for the mess.
- Either Peter or David has eaten the Pineapple.
- Either the red shirt or the blue shirt goes well with these pants.
The above examples adhere to the following rule:
When two or more singular subjects are joined by “or,” “nor,” “either…or,” or “neither…nor,” the verb remains singular.
Subject Verb Agreement Examples #9
- Either the dog or the cats have been causing trouble.
- Either John or his siblings are responsible for the mess.
- Neither the car nor the bikes were parked properly.
- Either the book or the magazines belong on the shelf.
The above examples adhere to the following rule:
When a singular and a plural subject are joined by ‘or’, ‘nor’, ‘either… or’, ‘neither… nor’, the verb agrees with the plural subject at the end.
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Subject Verb Agreement Examples #10
- Either she or I am going to the party.
- Neither you nor he is invited to the wedding.
- Either you or he has to take responsibility for the mistake.
- Neither John nor his friends want to participate in the game.
- Either Mary or her sisters are going on vacation.
The above examples adhere to the following rule:
When ‘or’, ‘nor’, ‘either… or’, ‘neither… nor’ combine subjects of different persons, the verb agrees with the subject of the person at the end.
Subject Verb Agreement Examples #11
- You, he, and I are going to the movies tonight.
- You and he are both excellent singers.
- You and I will be working together on this project.
- Mary and her friends are going on a road trip.
- The dog and the cats are playing in the backyard.
The above examples adhere to the following rule:
If the subjects of different numbers or persons are connected by ‘and’, the verb is plural.
Subject Verb Agreement Examples #12
- The audience was applauding at the end of the performance. (togetherness)
- The class was studying diligently for the upcoming exam. (togetherness)
- The committee have differing opinions on the matter. (separation)
- The flock is migrating south for the winter. (togetherness)
- The jury were unable to reach a unanimous decision. (separation)
The above examples adhere to the following rule:
Collective nouns, when used to convey a sense of togetherness or unanimous action, take a singular verb. However, when they are used to convey a sense of separation, they take a plural verb. Examples of such nouns include audience, class, committee, crowd, flock, jury, parliament, team, etc.
Subject Verb Agreement Examples #13
- There is a lot of food on the table. (referring to a single quantity)
- A lot of people are attending the concert. (referring to multiple individuals)
- Here is a group of students. (referring to a single group)
- A group of birds are flying in the sky. (referring to multiple birds)
- A number of complaints has been received. (referring to a single count of complaints)
The above examples adhere to the following rule:
“A lot of / A group of / A number of” collectively take a singular verb when referring to a single entity, and a plural verb when referring to multiple entities.
Subject Verb Agreement Examples #14
- The police are investigating the crime. (referring to multiple police officers)
- People have different opinions on this topic. (referring to multiple individuals)
- Two dozen eggs cost forty-eight rupees. (referring to 24 eggs)
- The staff are taking their lunch break. (referring to multiple staff members)
- The committee members have arrived for the meeting. (referring to multiple committee members)
The above examples adhere to the following rule:
Some nouns that are singular in form but plural in meaning take a plural verb.
Subject Verb Agreement Examples #15
- The news is spreading quickly. (referring to a singular concept)
- The wages of sin is eternal suffering. (referring to a singular consequence)
- Physics is a fascinating branch of science. (referring to a singular field of study)
- Politics is his passion and life’s work. (referring to a singular domain)
- The mathematics problem is challenging. (referring to a singular mathematical problem)
The above examples adhere to the following rule:
Some nouns that are plural in form but singular in meaning take a singular verb.
Note: Some nouns are always plural and take a plural verb.
- The goods were shipped to the warehouse. (referring to multiple items)
- My belongings have been packed in boxes. (referring to multiple personal items)
Subject Verb Agreement Examples #16
- One of the boys was absent from school. (referring to a singular boy)
- The quality of the oranges is excellent. (referring to a singular quality)
- Each of the girls is talented. (referring to a singular girl)
- Either of the books is available for borrowing. (referring to a singular book)
- Neither of the books was interesting to read. (referring to a singular book)
The above examples adhere to the following rule:
When a plural noun is preceded by ‘one of’, ‘each of’, ‘either of’, ‘neither of’, etc., the verb agrees with the noun and takes a singular form.
Subject Verb Agreement Examples #17
- More than one car is parked in the garage. (referring to a singular quantity)
- More than two books are missing from the library. (referring to multiple books)
The above examples adhere to the following rule:
‘More than one’ takes a singular verb, but ‘more than two/three’ or more takes a plural verb.
Subject Verb Agreement Examples #18
- Mike, as well as his friends, was punished. (referring to multiple subjects)
- Sarah, together with her sisters, is going on vacation.
- The dog, as well as the cats, needs to be fed.
- The professor, along with his students, is attending the conference.
The above examples adhere to the following rule:
If more than one subject is joined by ‘with’, ‘together with’, or ‘as well as’, the verb agrees with the first subject.
Subject Verb Agreement Examples #19
- Sarah (with her two friends) is going to the party.
- The dog, barking loudly, is running in circles.
- John (who is known for his punctuality) arrives early.
- The cake, freshly baked, smells delicious.
- The car, parked in the driveway, needs a wash.
The above examples adhere to the following rule:
When parentheses follow the subject, they do not affect subject-verb agreement.
Subject Verb Agreement Examples #20
- Not only she but also her sisters were invited to the event.
- Not only the cat but also the dog likes to play outside.
- Not only Tom but also his friends have seen the movie.
- Not only the children but also their parents are excited about the trip.
- Not only the flowers but also the trees need watering.
The above examples adhere to the following rule:
In “not only… but also” constructions, the verb agrees with the last subject.
Subject Verb Agreement Examples #21
- I, who am your teacher, am here to help you.
- He, who is my neighbor, often lends me his tools.
- You, who are my best friend, know me well.
- The cat, which is my pet, loves to chase mice.
- The students, who are in the advanced class, are studying for the exam.
The above examples adhere to the following rule:
When the relative pronoun is the subject, the verb agrees with the antecedent.
Subject Verb Agreement Examples #22
- Everybody should do his or her part to protect the environment.
- Everybody is responsible for his or her own success.
- Anyone can pursue his or her passions and achieve greatness.
- Each of the students should bring his or her textbook to class.
- Anyone can achieve his or her dreams with determination and hard work.
The above examples adhere to the following rule:
Pronouns and verbs agree in gender and context for words like anybody, everybody, anyone, everyone, each, etc.
Subject Verb Agreement Examples #23
- One should always respect one’s elders.
- One must take care of oneself in order to stay healthy.
- One cannot achieve success without putting in the effort.
- One should be proud of one’s accomplishments.
- One should always be true to oneself.
The above examples adhere to the following rule:
“One” is used as a singular pronoun and should be paired with “one’s” and “oneself.”
Subject Verb Agreement Examples #24
- Many a student is studying for the exam.
- Many an opportunity has been missed.
- Many a bird sings in the morning.
- Many an artist has painted this landscape.
- Many a child dreams of becoming a superhero.
The above examples adhere to the following rule:
When “Many a/Many an” precedes a noun, both the noun and the verb should be in the singular form.
Subject Verb Agreement Examples #25
- Here are the scissors.
- These trousers need altering.
- Your new glasses look stylish.
- The pliers are in the toolbox.
- The binoculars are essential for birdwatching.
The above examples adhere to the following rule:
Plural verbs are used after pair nouns like trousers, scissors, glasses, etc.
Subject Verb Agreement Examples #26
- I have lost the pen but got the book.
- She can sing and dance well.
- They should study and prepare for the test.
- He might come or call later.
- We will eat dinner and then watch a movie.
The above examples adhere to the following rule:
Auxiliary verbs are used only once when two principal verbs are related.
Subject Verb Agreement Examples #27
- Six and two makes (make) eight.
- Nine and three equals (equal) twelve.
- Seven and one results in (result in) eight.
- Ten and five total (totals) fifteen.
- Twelve and six make (makes) eighteen.
The above examples adhere to the following rule:
When two numbers are joined by “and,” the verb can be either singular or plural.
Subject Verb Agreement Examples #28
- Half of the apple is rotten.
- Half of the apples are ripe.
- Two-thirds of the pizza is gone.
- Two-thirds of the students are present.
- Three-fourths of the city was affected by the blackout.
The above examples adhere to the following rule:
When indicating the quantity, a singular verb is used, and when indicating the number, a plural verb is used.
Subject Verb Agreement Examples #29
- The advice she gave me was helpful.
- His furniture is modern and stylish.
- I have a lot of hair on my head.
The above examples adhere to the following rule:
Certain nouns, such as advice, furniture, hair, and trouble, are always used in the singular form.
Subject Verb Agreement Examples #30
- The ashes from the bonfire were scattered by the wind.
- The proceeds from the charity event will be donated to a good cause.
- We should eat more vegetables for a healthy diet.
The above examples adhere to the following rule:
Some nouns, like ashes, proceeds, and vegetables, are used only in plural form.
Subject Verb Agreement Examples #31
- This sculpture is made of clay and bronze.
- The table is crafted from wood and metal.
The above examples adhere to the following rule:
Material nouns that indicate the substance of which things are made should not be used in plural form.
Note: Material nouns can be used in plural form as common nouns, referring to objects rather than the substance.
- The boys were throwing stones at the frogs.
- She collected different types of papers for her art project.
Subject Verb Agreement Examples #32
- You, he, and I should attend the meeting (not I, you, and he).
- I, they, and you were wrong in this situation.
- We, the students, and you apologize for the misunderstanding.
The above examples adhere to the following rule:
When pronouns of different persons are used together in a sentence, the usual order is 2nd, 3rd, and 1st. However, if confessing a fault, the order becomes 1st, 3rd, and 2nd.
Subject Verb Agreement Examples #33
- He absented himself from the school.
- He presented himself before the king.
- He availed himself of the opportunity.
- Jatin did it himself.
The above examples adhere to the following rule:
Reflexive pronouns are used to indicate that a person performs an action on themselves or to emphasize the pronoun. Certain transitive verbs, like absent, acquit, apply, avail, drink, enjoy, present, pride, resign, and revenge, always take reflexive pronouns.
Note: Reflexive pronouns cannot be used as the subject of a verb.
- Myself saw him do this. (Incorrect)
- I myself saw him do this. (Correct)
- His brother and myself went there. (Incorrect)
- His brother and I myself went there. (Correct)
Note: Personal pronouns have reflexive forms as well as emphatic forms, but the form remains the same. The emphatic form of a personal pronoun is called an emphatic pronoun.
Subject Verb Agreement Examples #34
- The day broke in a cloudless sky.
- He hid behind the thicket.
The above examples adhere to the following rule:
Verbs like break, keep, bathe, turn, hide, steal, spread, stop, burn, open, rest, and roll do not take reflexive pronouns.
Subject Verb Agreement Examples #35
- Let you and me (not I) do this.
- Between you and me (not I), there should be no formality.
The above examples adhere to the following rule:
When a pronoun is the object of a verb or preposition, it should be in the objective form.
Subject Verb Agreement Examples #36
- He is more cleverer than his cousin. (Incorrect)
- He is cleverer than his cousin. (Correct)
- Mount Everest is the most highest peak in the world. (Incorrect)
- Mount Everest is the highest peak in the world. (Correct)
The above examples adhere to the following rule:
Avoid using double superlatives and double comparatives in sentences.
Subject Verb Agreement Examples #37
- They form an ideal couple.
- This was a unique plan.
The above examples adhere to the following rule:
Adjectives like complete, empty, entire, extreme, ideal, impossible, perfect, round (not square), unique, universal, etc., represent the highest degree and cannot be used in the comparative or superlative degree.
Subject Verb Agreement Examples #38
- My friend is older than I.
- Mahim is a better boy in the class.
The above examples adhere to the following rule:
When comparing two things, such as two books, use the comparative degree (more), not the superlative degree (most).
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