Mastering Subject-Verb Disagreement: Examples, Tips, and Common Mistakes
Ever wonder why sometimes a sentence just sounds off, even though it looks right? Chances are, it’s a subject-verb disagreement. Don’t worry — this is a common hiccup in English grammar, but once you understand the ins and outs, you’ll be pinpointing and fixing these errors with ease. In this article, I’ll walk you through clear examples, practical tips, and common mistakes to avoid, so you can write confidently and accurately.
What Is Subject-Verb Disagreement?
Subject-verb disagreement occurs when the subject of a sentence does not match the verb in number — singular or plural. Essentially, it’s like trying to fit a square peg in a round hole. When the subject is singular, the verb must be singular; when the subject is plural, the verb should be plural.
Here’s a quick definition list to clarify:
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Subject | The person or thing performing the action in a sentence. |
| Verb | The action or state of being in the sentence. |
| Disagreement | When the subject and verb do not match in number, leading to grammatical errors. |
Why Does It Matter?
Getting subject-verb agreement right isn’t just about sounding professional; it makes your writing clearer and more credible. Mistakes can confuse readers, distort meaning, or make you seem inconsistent. Plus, proofing your work for agreement errors saves you from embarrassing slip-ups, especially during exams or professional writing.
Common Types of Subject-Verb Disagreement
Understanding the common scenarios where disagreement occurs can help you spot errors before they slip through. Here are the main types:
1. Singular and Plural Nouns
The most straightforward mistake! For example, the sentence “The dogs barks loudly” is wrong because “dogs” is plural, so the verb should be “bark.”
2. Indefinite Pronouns
Words like everyone, person, anyone, each, and either are singular, even if they seem plural. For example, “Everyone loves their job”—this is incorrect if you prefer formal grammar; it should be “Everyone loves his or her job.”
3. Compound Subjects
When two subjects are joined with "and," the verb usually becomes plural. But watch out! If they refer to the same thing, singular might still apply.
4. Collective Nouns
Words like team, group, and family are tricky. They can be singular or plural depending on whether you're emphasizing the group as a whole or individual members. For instance, “The team is winning” (the team as a unit) versus “The team are arguing among themselves” (members acting individually).
5. Distance, Amount, and Time
Expressions like “Five miles,” “Ten dollars,” or “Three hours” are considered singular and require singular verbs.
Let’s look at a detailed table with examples of each case:
| Scenario | Example | Correct Form | Explanation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Singular noun | The cat runs fast. | The cat runs fast. | “Cat” is singular, so verb is “runs.” |
| Plural noun | The cats run fast. | The cats run fast. | “Cats” is plural, so verb is “run.” |
| Indefinite pronoun | Everyone likes ice cream. | Everyone likes ice cream. | “Everyone” is singular. |
| Compound subject (different units) | John and Mary are here. | John and Mary are here. | Joined with “and,” so plural. |
| Collective noun (singular) | The team wins often. | The team wins often. | Treated as singular here. |
| Collective noun (plural) | The team are arguing. | The team are arguing. | Emphasizing individual members. |
How to Spot and Fix Subject-Verb Disagreement
Here are some straightforward steps:
- Step 1: Identify the subject. Is it singular or plural?
- Step 2: Check the verb. Does it match the number of the subject?
- Step 3: Watch out for tricky words like each, everyone, or collective nouns.
- Step 4: Rewrite if necessary for clarity and correctness.
Tips for Success
- Always double-check the subject and verb before finalizing your sentence.
- Be cautious with sentences containing “and,” “or,” “nor.” Remember, “or” and “nor” can make things tricky because the verb agrees with the closer subject.
- Use parentheses or commas to clarify complex subjects.
- Read your sentences aloud. If they sound off, check the agreement.
- Practice consistently with exercises designed to reinforce these rules.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
| Mistake | Example | Correct Version | How to Avoid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Treating indefinite pronouns as plural | Everyone are coming. | Everyone is coming. | Remember: Indefinite pronouns are singular. |
| Misjudging collective nouns | The team are ready. | The team is ready. | Determine whether you view it as a group or individuals. |
| Using singular verbs for compound subjects | John and Mary is here. | John and Mary are here. | When joined by “and,” use a plural verb. |
| Ignoring intervening phrases | The list of items are on the table. | The list of items is on the table. | Ignore prepositional phrases when identifying the true subject. |
Variations and More Complex Scenarios
- Sentences with “none,” “some,” “any,”: These can be singular or plural depending on context. E.g., “Some of the cake is gone” vs. “Some of the students are absent.”
- Inverted sentence structures: When the subject follows the verb, take extra care to identify it correctly.
Why Is It Important to Master Subject-Verb Agreement?
Proper agreement ensures your writing is polished and understandable. Whether you’re writing an email, an essay, or an official report, correct subject-verb agreement presents you as precise and credible. It’s essential for clarity and professionalism in any context.
Practice Exercises to Sharpen Your Skills
1. Fill-in-the-blank:
a) The team ___ (win) their last game comfortably.
b) Neither the dogs nor the cat ___ (want) to go outside.
c) Every student ___ (have) completed the assignment.
d) The books on the shelf ___ (belong) to me.
2. Error Correction:
Identify and correct the mistake:
a) The news about the new policy are interesting.
b) The group of hikers was exhausted but happy.
c) Neither John nor his friends want to join us.
d) The money from the charity fund are being used wisely.
3. Identification:
Is the subject singular or plural? Correct the verb if necessary.
a) The data supports the hypothesis.
b) The committee have made their decision.
c) Physics is fascinating.
d) The players on the team is excited.
4. Sentence Construction:
Rewrite these sentences for correct subject-verb agreement.
a) The list of items are on the desk.
b) The children in the park is playing.
c) The pair of shoes was missing.
d) The news are shocking.
5. Category Matching:
Match the sentence to the rule:
| Sentence | Rule Category |
|---|---|
| The family decides on dinner early. | Collective nouns as singular |
| Everyone in the class has submitted homework. | Indefinite pronouns |
| The books and magazine are on the table. | Compound subjects |
| Neither of the options is appealing. | Singular indefinite pronouns |
Summary and Final Thoughts
Mastering subject-verb disagreement isn’t about memorizing rules — it’s about understanding how subjects and verbs work together in a sentence. By paying attention to the number of your subjects, practicing regularly, and avoiding common pitfalls, you’ll develop a keen ear for grammatical accuracy.
Remember, the key is to always review your sentences, especially those with complex structures or tricky words. With consistent effort, your writing will sound more authoritative and professional. So go ahead, practice these tips, and turn subject-verb agreement from a stumbling block into a strength in your writing toolbox.
Feel free to explore more exercises and resources to strengthen your grammar skills! And if you keep these guidelines in mind, you’ll become a pro at spotting and fixing subject-verb disagreement in no time. Thanks for reading!