Lesson 11 of 46

Subject–verb agreement

Make the verb match its real subject.

The rules

  1. 1.In the present simple, a singular subject takes a verb with -s: "He works." A plural subject does not: "They work."
  2. 2.Every, each, everyone, nobody, and someone are singular: "Everyone is here."
  3. 3.Ignore the words between the subject and the verb: "The list of items is long."
  4. 4.After "There is/are", agree with the noun that follows: "There are two problems."

Common mistakes and fixes

Incorrect: She don't like coffee.

Correct: She doesn't like coffee.

Use doesn't with he/she/it.

Incorrect: Everyone are here.

Correct: Everyone is here.

"Everyone" is singular.

Incorrect: The results of the test is ready.

Correct: The results of the test are ready.

The subject is "results", not "test".

Watch out: Find the subject first, then choose the verb. Phrases like "of the test" do not change it.

Quick quiz

1. The manager ___ the report every Monday.
2. Each of the students ___ a laptop.
3. There ___ two problems with the plan.

← Previous: Present continuous

Practice on your own writing

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