Language Skills: Grammatical Relationships

Recognize and Correct Errors in Subject-Verb Agreement and Verb Tense

In clauses or sentences, the subject determines the verb form that must accompany it. This is the meaning of "maintaining agreement between subject and verb."

A common difficulty for maintaining agreement between subject and verb is found in sentences in which prepositional phrases appear between the subject and verb. In such instances, it is best not to be distracted by the prepositional phrases.

In the example below, the subject is plural: "Mary and John"

The verb "need" is in agreement. ("needs" is the singular form.)

Mary and John need help with writing.

1) In the sentence below, identify the subject and then select the verb that should be used. Click here when you are finished.

The team, without using substitutes, (is, are) undefeated this season.

Subject is: team
Verb must be: is

2) In the sentence below, identify the subject and then select the verb that should be used. Click here when you are finished.

A couch, three chairs, and two tables (is, are) in the living room.

Subject is: couch, chairs, tables (plural)
Verb must be: are (plural)

3) In the sentence below, identify the subject and then select the verb that should be used. Click here when you are finished.

The new gym with its exercise equipment, indoor track, and handball court (fills, fill) a great need in our community.

Subject is: gym (singular)
Verb must be: fills (singular)

4) In the sentence below, identify the subject and then select the verb that should be used. Click here when you are finished.

Everyone who loves folk music (wants, want) to attend.

Subject is: Everyone (singular)
Verb must be: wants (singular)

5) In the sentence below, identify the subject and then select the verb that should be used. Click here when you are finished.

The scissors (is broken, are broken).

Subject is: scissors
Verb must be: are broken