​Basic Subject-Verb Agreement

​A verb must agree in number with its subject. A singular subject takes a singular verb, and a plural subject takes a plural verb.

​​Number indicates whether a noun or pronoun is singular or plural. This term also applies to verbs.

​​Nouns

​Singular: cow, church, goose

​Plural: cows, churches, geese

​Pronouns

​Singular: I, you, he, she, it

​Plural: we, you, they

​Interrupting Words

​The agreement of a verb with its subject is not changed by any interrupting words.

​Prepositional Phrase: The winds at the summit were howling.

​Participial Phrase: The backpackfilled with ropes was put on the table.

​Negative Statements: David, not one of his brothers, is goingto climb.

​Adjective Clauses: Hikers who are climbing the mountain prepare for every emergency.

​Interrupting Words

​Compound prepositions, such as in addition to, as well as, along with, and together with, often begin interrupting phrases. Make sure the verb always agrees with the SUBJECT, not with the object of the compound preposition.

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​Ex. Shauna, in addition to her two cousins, is coming with us.

​Relative Pronouns as Subjects

​When a relative pronoun is the subject of a subordinate clause, the antecedent determines the number of the verb.

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​Ex. Dr. Francis is the only surgeon in the country who knows how to perform this operation

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​Dr. Klein is one of a dozen doctors who make this hospital famous.

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​Who is the relative pronoun in each sentence. The agreement depends on the antecedent.

Now let's practice!​

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