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Subject-Verb Agreement: Rules and Tricky Cases

Make verbs agree with their subjects, including collective nouns, either/or and phrases that sit between the subject and the verb.

  • ⏱ 3 min read
  • ✏️ 3 worked examples
  • 🎯 5 practice questions
  • 📶 Beginner
KS3GCSEMiddle SchoolHigh School
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Curriculum fit: GCSE English Language (spelling, punctuation and grammar). US: Common Core ELA Language standards (grades 6-10).

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What Is It?

A verb must agree with its subject in number. A singular subject takes a singular verb, and a plural subject takes a plural verb. For example: 'The dog runs' and 'The dogs run'.

Most mistakes happen when other words sit between the subject and the verb, or when the subject is unusual, such as a collective noun or 'everyone'.

One subjectShe walks. (singular + singular)More than oneThey walk. (plural + plural)Joined by andTom and Ana are here.either / neitherverb matches the nearer subjectEveryone, eachtake a singular verb: Everyone is here.
The verb must match its subject in number. Find the subject first, then choose the verb form.

Key Formulas and Ideas

  • Singular subject + singular verb: 'She walks.' Plural subject + plural verb: 'They walk.'
  • Subjects joined by 'and' are usually plural: 'Tom and Ana are here.'
  • With 'either/or' and 'neither/nor', the verb agrees with the nearer subject.
  • Indefinite pronouns such as everyone, each and nobody take a singular verb.

Worked Examples

Example 1

Ignore the Interrupting Phrase

Question

Choose the correct verb: 'The box of pencils (is / are) on the table.'

  1. Find the subject: 'box', not 'pencils'.
  2. 'Box' is singular, so the verb is singular.

✓ Answer is

Example 2

Either/or

Question

Choose: 'Either the teacher or the students (is / are) responsible.'

  1. The verb agrees with the nearer subject.
  2. The nearer subject is 'students', which is plural.

✓ Answer are

Example 3

Indefinite Pronoun

Question

Choose: 'Everyone (has / have) finished.'

  1. Find the subject: 'Everyone'.
  2. 'Everyone' is a singular indefinite pronoun, even though it refers to many people.
  3. A singular subject takes the singular verb 'has'.

✓ Answer has

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Matching the verb to the nearest noun instead of the subject.
  • Treating 'everyone' or 'each' as plural.
  • Using 'don't' with a singular subject: 'He don't know' should be 'He doesn't know'.
  • Mixing tenses and agreement in long sentences.

Practice Questions

0 of 5 answered
Q1Choose: 'The list of names (is / are) long.'
Q2Choose: 'Tom and Sam (plays / play) football.'
Q3Choose: 'Neither of the girls (was / were) late.'
Q4Which sentence is correct?
Q5Choose: 'Each of the students (has / have) a book.'

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'the team is' or 'the team are' correct?

In US English a collective noun usually takes a singular verb. In UK English both can be correct, depending on whether you mean the group as one or as individuals. Be consistent.

How can I check agreement?

Cross out the words between the subject and the verb, then read the sentence again.

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Sources and Review

Reviewed by StudyMorrow editorial review on 5 Nov 2026.