Subject-Verb Agreement Grammar Skill

Subject-verb agreement means that the verb in a sentence must match the subject in number. Singular subjects take singular verbs, and plural subjects take plural verbs.

Using correct subject-verb agreement helps sentences sound clear and grammatically correct. Errors often occur when the subject and verb are separated or when subjects are compound.

This skills hub explains subject-verb agreement rules, provides examples, and gives students practice using verbs correctly.

For printable practice, visit our Subject-Verb Agreement Worksheets.

---

Subject-Verb Agreement Examples

• Singular: The teacher explains the lesson.
• Plural: The teachers explain the lesson.
• Compound subject: Tom and Jerry are friends.
• Collective noun: The team wins the game.

These examples show how verbs change to match their subjects.

---

Subject-Verb Agreement Quiz

Choose the correct verb.

1. The cat ___ on the couch.
   sleeps sleep sleeping
2. The dogs ___ loudly.
   bark barks barking
3. My friend and I ___ to school together.
   walk walks walking
4. The team ___ the game.
   wins win winning
5. Why is subject-verb agreement important?
   It keeps sentences clear and correct. It changes punctuation. It replaces adjectives.

---

What Is Subject-Verb Agreement?

Subject-verb agreement requires that a verb agree with its subject in number. A singular subject uses a singular verb, while a plural subject uses a plural verb.

Singular Subjects

Singular subjects take verbs that usually end in -s in the present tense.

Example: The dog runs fast.

Plural Subjects

Plural subjects take verbs that do not end in -s.

Example: The dogs run fast.

Tricky Subjects

Compound subjects, collective nouns, and phrases between the subject and verb can make agreement more challenging.