Keeping Subjects and Verbs Together

Subjects and verbs must agree in number—singular with singular, plural with plural. This basic rule makes your sentences sound right and avoids confusion.

The Basics

• Singular subject: Add -s to the verb.
  • The dog barks.
• Plural subject: No -s on the verb.
  • The dogs bark.

Tricky Situations

• Compound subjects: Use a plural verb.
  • Jack and Jill are climbing.
• Indefinite pronouns: Some are singular, some are plural.
  • Everyone is here.
  • Both are ready.

Why It Matters

Proper subject-verb agreement makes your writing smooth and easy to understand.