Understanding verb agreement is one of the most important grammar rules for beginners. At the A1–A2 level, learners often make mistakes with singular and plural subjects, especially in the present simple tense. This guide explains the rules, common mistakes, examples, exercises, and teaching tips in detail.
1. Introduction to Verb Agreement
Definition:
Verb agreement (also called subject-verb agreement) means that the verb must match the subject in number and person.
Key Points:
- Singular subjects take singular verbs.
- Plural subjects take plural verbs.
- Third-person singular (he, she, it) usually adds -s or -es in the present simple.
Correct verb agreement is essential for clear and correct sentences.
2. Basic Rules for Present Simple
2.1 Singular Subjects
Rule: For singular subjects (he, she, it, or singular noun), add -s / -es to the base verb.
Examples:
- He plays football.
- She reads a book.
- It rains every morning.
- My brother watches TV in the evening.
Spelling Rules:
- Most verbs → add -s: play → plays
- Verbs ending in s, x, z, ch, sh → add -es: watch → watches
- Verbs ending in consonant + y → change y → i + es: study → studies
2.2 Plural Subjects
Rule: For plural subjects (we, you, they, or plural nouns), use the base verb (no -s).
Examples:
- We play football every day.
- They read books in the library.
- My friends watch movies on weekends.
Tip: Only third-person singular adds -s/-es; all other subjects use the base verb.
3. Verb Agreement with “Be”
The verb be is irregular and changes according to number and person.
| Subject | Present | Past | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| I | am | was | I am happy. / I was tired. |
| You | are | were | You are a student. / You were at home. |
| He/She/It | is | was | She is kind. / She was late. |
| We/They | are | were | They are friends. / They were in Paris. |
Common Mistakes:
- ❌ “He are happy.” → ✅ “He is happy.”
- ❌ “They was tired.” → ✅ “They were tired.”
4. Subject-Verb Agreement with Nouns
4.1 Singular Nouns
- The cat runs fast.
- My mother cooks dinner.
- A teacher teaches English.
4.2 Plural Nouns
- The cats run fast.
- My parents cook dinner.
- Teachers teach English.
Tip: Look at the subject first, then choose the verb form.
5. Subject-Verb Agreement with Compound Subjects
5.1 Subjects joined by “and”
- Usually plural → base verb
- Examples:
- My brother and sister play football.
- Tea and coffee are on the table.
5.2 Subjects joined by “or / nor”
- Verb agrees with the nearest subject
- Examples:
- Either my brother or my friends are coming.
- Neither the teacher nor the student is ready.
Common Mistakes:
- ❌ “Neither the students nor the teacher are ready.” → ✅ “Neither the students nor the teacher is ready.”
6. Indefinite Pronouns and Verb Agreement
Some indefinite pronouns are singular: everyone, somebody, each, nobody → take singular verb
- Everyone is happy.
- Somebody has called.
- Each student needs a pen.
Some are plural: both, few, many, several → take plural verb
- Both of my friends are coming.
- Many students like ice cream.
- Several books are on the table.
Some can be singular or plural depending on context: all, some, none, any
- All of the cake is gone. (singular)
- All of the books are gone. (plural)
7. Common Mistakes with Verb Agreement
| Mistake | Correct | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| He play football. | He plays football. | Add -s for third-person singular |
| They plays football. | They play football. | Use base verb for plural |
| Everyone are happy. | Everyone is happy. | Singular indefinite pronoun → singular verb |
| The team are winning. | The team is winning. | Collective noun singular → singular verb (UK style) |
| Neither my brother or my sister is ready. | Neither my brother nor my sister is ready. | Correct agreement with nearest subject |
8. Present Continuous Agreement
Rule: Subject + be + verb-ing
Singular Subjects:
- He is playing football.
- She is reading a book.
Plural Subjects:
- They are playing football.
- We are reading books.
Mistakes:
- ❌ “He are playing football.” → ✅ “He is playing football.”
- ❌ “They is reading books.” → ✅ “They are reading books.”
9. Past Simple Verb Agreement
Regular verbs: base + -ed
- Singular → She played football.
- Plural → They played football.
Irregular verbs:
- Singular → He went to school.
- Plural → They went to school.
Be
- Singular → I/he/she was happy.
- Plural → We/they were happy.
10. Exercises for Practice
10.1 Choose the Correct Verb Form
- He (play / plays) football every day.
- They (watch / watches) TV on weekends.
- My mother (cook / cooks) dinner every night.
- Everyone (is / are) ready.
- The cats (run / runs) fast.
Answers:
- plays
- watch
- cooks
- is
- run
10.2 Correct the Mistakes
- She go to school every day. → ______
- They plays football. → ______
- Everyone are happy. → ______
- The teacher and the students is ready. → ______
- He are reading a book now. → ______
Answers:
- She goes to school every day.
- They play football.
- Everyone is happy.
- The teacher and the students are ready.
- He is reading a book now.
11. Tips for Teaching Verb Agreement
- Identify the subject first before choosing the verb.
- Teach he/she/it = -s / -es for present simple.
- Practice with affirmative, negative, and question sentences.
- Teach indefinite pronouns separately.
- Use real-life examples: routines, family, school, hobbies.
- Include collective nouns and compound subjects for advanced practice.
12. Summary Checklist
- Third-person singular → verb + -s / -es
- Plural subjects → base verb
- Indefinite pronouns: everyone, somebody = singular
- Indefinite pronouns: many, few = plural
- Compound subjects with “and” → plural
- Compound subjects with “or / nor” → match nearest subject
- Present continuous: subject + be + verb-ing
- Past simple: regular = -ed, irregular = memorized forms
- Collective nouns → usually singular
Contributor @newtaresh.com
