Subject-Verb Agreement Rules
Master Subject-Verb Agreement rules for competitive exams. Clear explanations, exceptions and practice for error spotting in SSC, Banking, UPSC, EPFO and DRDO.
Table of Contents
What is Subject-Verb Agreement
Subject-Verb Agreement means the verb in a sentence must match the subject in number. A singular subject takes a singular verb. A plural subject takes a plural verb. This basic rule forms the foundation of error spotting in competitive examinations.
In the present tense, third-person singular subjects require the verb to end in -s or -es. I and you do not follow this pattern. Past tense forms of regular verbs usually remain the same for singular and plural subjects, except for the verb “be”.
Examiners test this topic heavily because small changes in subject or intervening phrases can reverse the correct verb. Candidates who learn to locate the true subject and ignore distractions score consistently in error detection and sentence improvement questions.
Core Subject-Verb Agreement Rules
Words such as each, every, either, neither, anyone, everyone and someone always take singular verbs, even when followed by a plural noun. Each of the candidates has a separate paper.
Compound Subjects and Conjunctions
When two singular subjects are joined by “and”, the verb is usually plural. Ram and Shyam are coming. Exception: when the two nouns form a single idea, use a singular verb. Bread and butter is my breakfast.
When subjects are joined by “either…or” or “neither…nor”, the verb agrees with the subject closer to it. Neither the teacher nor the students are present.
Expressions such as “as well as”, “along with”, “together with”, “in addition to” and “accompanied by” do not make the subject plural. The verb agrees with the first subject. The manager, along with the team, is travelling tomorrow.
“A number of” takes a plural verb. “The number of” takes a singular verb. A number of students are absent. The number of students is increasing.
Special Cases and Exam Traps
Relative Pronouns
The verb after a relative pronoun (who, which, that) agrees with the antecedent. He is one of those who always arrive late.
Distances, Time and Money
Expressions of distance, time, money or measurement take singular verbs when treated as a single unit. Ten kilometres is a long walk. Five hundred rupees is a reasonable price.
Titles and Names
Titles of books, films or organisations take singular verbs even if they look plural. “Gulliver’s Travels” is an interesting book.
Inverted Sentences
In questions and sentences beginning with “there” or “here”, locate the true subject after the verb. There are many reasons for the delay.
These patterns appear repeatedly in SSC CGL, Banking and other examinations. Practising them alongside the core rules improves accuracy in error spotting.
For more grammar topics visit the English Grammar Guide for Competitive Exams and the 100 Golden Rules.
Practice Questions on Subject-Verb Agreement
Choose the correct verb. Click “Show Answer” for the explanation.