Use the correct subject or verb

  • A subject is the who or what the sentence is about.
  • A verb is the action word or state of being in the sentence.

  • The subject and verb must agree in number (singular or plural).
  • Singular subjects take singular verbs.
  • Plural subjects take plural verbs.

Examples:

  • Singular: The dog barks.
  • Plural: The dogs bark.

  • Singular: One person or thing (e.g., cat, girl, car).
  • Plural: More than one person or thing (e.g., cats, girls, cars).

Tips:

  • To make a noun plural, often add -s or -es.
  • Example: bookbooks, boxboxes.

  • Action Verbs: Show what the subject is doing.
  • Example: The boy runs fast.
  • Linking Verbs: Connect the subject to more information (e.g., is, are, was, were).
  • Example: She is a great artist.

  • When there are two subjects joined by and, use a plural verb.

Example:

  • Tom and Jerry are friends.

  • Some indefinite pronouns can be tricky because they can be singular or plural.
  • Singular: Everyone, someone, each, etc. (takes a singular verb)
    • Example: Everyone is here.
  • Plural: Few, many, several, etc. (takes a plural verb)
    • Example: Several are coming to the party.

  • Identify the subject in your sentence first.
  • Decide if the subject is singular or plural.
  • Choose the verb form that matches the subject.

  • Always ensure the subject and verb agree in number.
  • Use singular verbs with singular subjects and plural verbs with plural subjects.
  • Practice identifying subjects and verbs in sentences to improve your writing.