Subject-Verb Concord: Ultimate Guide with Easy Examples and More

Subject-Verb Concord also known as Subject-Verb Agreement is fundamental for constructing grammatically correct sentences. The subject of a sentence must agree with its verb in number (singular or plural) and person (first, second, or third). Misuse can lead to errors that confuse the reader. Here, we explore the essential rules from Wren and Martin, supported by simple examples.

Rules of Subject-Verb Concord with Examples

1. A Singular Subject Takes a Singular Verb:
   A singular subject requires a singular verb.

• Example: The cat is sleeping on the mat.
• Example: She loves reading novels.

2. A Plural Subject Takes a Plural Verb:
   A plural subject requires a plural verb.

• Example: The children are playing in the park.
• Example: The dogs bark loudly at strangers.

3. Subjects Joined by ‘And’ Take a Plural Verb:
   When two or more subjects are joined by ‘and,’ the verb is plural.

• Example: John and Sarah are going to the market.
• Example: The teacher and the student discuss the project.

4. When Two Singular Nouns Refer to the Same Person or Thing, Use a Singular Verb:

• Example: Bread and butter is my favourite breakfast.
• Example: The author and poet has arrived.

5. Subjects Joined by ‘Either/Or’ or ‘Neither/Nor’:
   The verb agrees with the nearer subject.

• Example: Either the teacher or the students are responsible for the decorations.
• Example: Neither the students nor the teacher is present.

6. Use a Singular Verb for Uncountable Nouns:

• Example: The furniture needs polishing.
• Example: Information is crucial in this project.

7. Collective Nouns May Take Singular or Plural Verbs:
   A collective noun takes a singular verb when considered as a whole and a plural verb when the members are considered individually.

• Example: The team is practising for the match. (as a whole)
• Example: The team are arguing among themselves. (individually)

8. Use Singular Verb for Subjects Beginning with ‘Each,’ ‘Every,’ or ‘No’:

• Example: Each of the students has a unique project.
• Example: Every man and woman is expected to contribute.
• Example: No one knows the answer.

9. ‘None’ Can Be Singular or Plural:
   The verb depends on the noun that ‘none’ refers to.

• Example: None of the books is missing. (singular)
• Example: None of the students are absent. (plural)

10. Use Plural Verb with ‘A Number Of,’ Singular with ‘The Number Of’:
    • Example: A number of students are participating.
    • Example: The number of participants is increasing.
11. Inverted Sentences:
    The verb agrees with the subject that follows it.
    • Example: There is a book on the table.
    • Example: There are many books on the shelf.
12. Titles of Books, Movies, and Organisations Use Singular Verbs:
    • Example: The Chronicles of Narnia is a popular book series.
    • Example: Friends remains a beloved sitcom.
13. Plural Forms with Singular Meaning Take Singular Verbs:
    • Example: The news is shocking.
    • Example: Mathematics is an interesting subject.
14. Fractions and Percentages:
    The verb agrees with the noun that follows.
    • Example: Half of the cake is gone.
    • Example: Forty percent of the students are present.
15. Subjects with ‘As Well As,’ ‘With,’ and ‘Together With’ Take Singular Verbs:
    • Example: The captain, as well as the players, is excited.
    • Example: The manager, with his team, has arrived.

Conclusion:
Subject-Verb Concord is an essential grammar rule that enhances the clarity and precision of writing. By following these rules from High School English Grammar and Composition by Wren and Martin, you can avoid common grammatical errors and write with confidence. Practice regularly, and you will master this important aspect of English grammar.

Watch the YouTube Video to Understand the Concept of Subject-Verb Concord

Test Yourself on Subject-Verb Concord

MCQs to Test Subject-Verb Concord (Answer keys at the end of the quiz)

1. The bouquet of flowers ___ (is/are) beautiful.
2. Neither the manager nor the employees ___ (was/were) happy with the new policy.
3. Mathematics ___ (is/are) a challenging subject for many students.
4. Each of the contestants ___ (has/have) a unique talent.
5. Bread and butter ___ (is/are) served for breakfast.
6. The news ___ (is/are) not very encouraging today.
7. Either the cat or the dogs ___ (need/needs) to be fed.
8. A number of students ___ (is/are) planning to participate in the event.
9. The number of students in the class ___ (is/are) increasing every year.
10. The team ___ (is/are) united in their goal to win the championship.
11. Everyone in the room ___ (was/were) silent during the announcement.
12. Forty percent of the cake ___ (has/have) been eaten.
13. There ___ (is/are) several options available for this task.
14. None of the water bottles ___ (is/are) empty.
15. The captain, along with the crew, ___ (was/were) present on the deck.
16. Either of the two proposals ___ (is/are) acceptable.
17. The committee ___ (has/have) made its decision clear.
18. A fraction of the participants ___ (was/were) late for the meeting.
19. The Chronicles of Narnia ___ (is/are) a fascinating series.
20. The furniture in the house ___ (needs/need) to be replaced.

Answer Key:

1. is
2. were
3. is
4. has
5. is
6. is
7. need
8. are
9. is
10. is
11. was
12. has
13. are
14. is
15. was
16. is
17. has
18. were
19. is
20. needs