Subject Verb Agreement

A singular subject needs a singular verb

A plural subject needs a plural verb.

If the subject is a singular noun or he, she, or it, add -s or -es to most verbs. (NOTICE, this is the opposite of making nouns singular.)

If the subject is compound, a plural noun, or I, you, we, or they, DO NOT add -s or -es to the verb.

For the verb be, use am and is to agree with singular subjects and are to agree with plural subjects.

A collective noun names a group, such as family, team, and class

A collective noun is SINGULAR if it refers to a group acting as one. Ex: The class is waiting for takeoff.

A collective noun is PLURAL if it refers to members of the group acting individually. Ex: The class are choosing their seats.