Navigation
Subject-Verb Agreement
Subject-Verb Agreement is a grammar rule that ensures the subject and verb in a sentence match in number.
A2Verbs & Verb Patterns
Rule
Subject-Verb Agreement is a grammar rule that ensures the subject and verb in a sentence match in number (singular or plural).
- Singular subject (one person/thing) takes a singular verb (e.g. he runs):
- Plural subject (more than one person/thing) takes a plural verb (e.g. they run).
Usage
- We use Subject-Verb Agreement to make our sentences clear and grammatically correct.
- It's important for writing and speaking English that sounds natural.
- This rule helps us avoid confusion when talking about one or more people/things.
Examples
- The cat sleeps on the couch.
- The students study for their exams.
- The teacher teaches English.
- The books are on the shelf.
- The team wins the game.
- The family goes on vacation.
Common Mistakes
- Wrong: The team are winning. Correct: The team wins.
- Wrong: The family don't go. Correct: The family doesn't go.
- Wrong: The teacher and student writes. Correct: The teacher and student write.
Tip
To remember Subject-Verb Agreement, try matching the subject with the verb: if the subject is singular, use a singular verb; if the subject is plural, use a plural verb.
Quick check
Which of the following sentences is grammatically correct?
Where this matters in your exam
This grammar rule is essential in IELTS Writing tasks, where incorrect subject-verb agreement can affect band scores.
- Writing Task 2
Use correct subject-verb agreement in essays.