Mastering Subject-Verb Agreement
Welcome! Today, we are going to look at one of the most important rules in English grammar: Subject-Verb Agreement. If you want to do well in the Pre-Secondary One Hong Kong Attainment Test, this is a topic you must know! Think of the subject (the person or thing doing the action) and the verb (the action) as teammates. To win the game of English, they must always match each other. If one changes, the other might need to change too!
Don't worry if this seems tricky at first. By the end of these notes, you will be an expert at making your subjects and verbs agree.
1. The Golden Rule: The "S" Balance
The most important thing to remember is the number of the subject. Is it singular (one) or plural (more than one)?
Singular Subjects (The "S" Rule)
When the subject is just one person or thing (He, She, It, or a name like "Tom"), the verb usually needs an -s or -es at the end in the present tense.
• The boy runs to school.
• Mary likes chocolate.
• It rains often in June.
Plural Subjects (No "S" Rule)
When the subject is more than one (They, We, or "Tom and Mary"), the verb stays in its base form and does not need an "s".
• The boys run to school.
• Tom and Mary like chocolate.
• They play basketball every Sunday.
Memory Trick: Think of a seesaw! If the noun doesn't have an "s", the verb usually takes the "s". If the noun already has an "s" (plural), the verb doesn't need one. Only one side of the seesaw needs the "s"!
Key Takeaway: Singular Subject = Verb + s. Plural Subject = Verb (no s).
2. The "Special" Subjects: I and You
In English, the words I and You are a bit "bossy." Even though I is just one person, it follows the plural rule.
• I eat breakfast at 7 a.m. (NOT: I eats)
• You look great today! (NOT: You looks)
Quick Review Box:
He/She/It/Tom = Verb + s (e.g., He plays)
I/You/We/They/Tom and Mary = Verb alone (e.g., I play)
3. Two Subjects Joined by "And"
When you use the word and to join two subjects, they become a plural team. You should use the plural form of the verb.
• The cat and the dog are friends.
• Reading and writing help us learn.
Did you know? Even if the two things are singular, once you add them together with "and", they follow the plural rule. \(1 + 1 = Plural\)!
4. Tricky Words: Everyone, Each, and Someone
Some words might sound like they are plural, but in grammar, we treat them as singular. These words include: Each, Every, Everyone, Everybody, Someone, and Nobody.
• Everyone in the class is happy. (Think: "Every single one")
• Each student has a book.
• Somebody needs to help me!
Key Takeaway: Words starting with "Every-", "Some-", or "No-" usually take a singular verb (with an 's').
5. Uncountable Nouns
Some things cannot be counted, like water, rice, air, homework, money, and information. We always treat these words as singular.
• The water is cold.
• My homework takes a long time.
• The news is interesting. (Even though "news" has an 's', it is singular!)
6. "There is" vs. "There are"
For most sentences, we look at the word before the verb. But with "There is/are", we look at the noun after the verb!
• There is a bottle on the desk. (One bottle = is)
• There are five bottles on the desk. (Five bottles = are)
7. Phrases That "Interrupt"
Sometimes, extra information is added between the subject and the verb using words like along with, as well as, or including. Do not let these trick you! The verb only cares about the main subject at the very beginning.
• The teacher, along with her students, is going to the museum.
In this example, The teacher is the main subject. The "students" are just extra information, so we use the singular verb "is".
Common Mistake to Avoid: Looking at the word closest to the verb. Always go back to the start of the sentence to find the real boss (the subject)!
Quick Summary Checklist
1. Identify the subject. Is it one or many?
2. If it is one (He/She/It), add "s" to the action verb.
3. If it is many (We/They), do not add "s".
4. Remember I and You are special (no "s").
5. Everyone/Each = Singular.
6. Uncountable nouns (water, money) = Singular.
You are now ready to tackle Subject-Verb Agreement in your next test! Just keep the "S" balance in mind, and you will do great!