What is subject-verb agreement?
Subject-verb agreement means that a verb matches its subject in number and person. A singular subject generally takes a singular verb, while a plural subject takes a plural verb. For example: - The student studies every evening. - The students study every evening. The subject changes from singular to plural, so the verb changes too. This principle is particularly important when answering grammar questions in which the subject and verb are separated by several words.
1. Identify the real subject
One common mistake is choosing a verb that agrees with a nearby noun instead of the actual subject. Consider this sentence: The box of nursing textbooks is on the desk. The subject is box, not textbooks. Because box is singular, the correct verb is is. Now consider: The textbooks in the box are on the desk. Here, the subject is textbooks, so the correct verb is are. To avoid confusion, mentally set aside phrases that describe the subject and identify the main noun before choosing a verb.
2. Learn the difference between singular and plural forms
In the present tense, many verbs take an -s ending with third-person singular subjects. - She writes. - He works. - The instructor explains. Plural subjects generally use the base form: - They write. - The students work. - The instructors explain. The verb to be has its own forms: I am, he is, and they are. Learn common irregular forms because they appear frequently in standard English.
3. Pay attention to compound subjects
Subjects joined by and generally take a plural verb. The teacher and the student are preparing the assignment. However, two nouns can sometimes refer to one combined idea or item, in which case a singular verb may be appropriate. Context matters. When subjects are joined by or or nor, the verb generally agrees with the subject closest to it in standard constructions. These sentences can be awkward, so rewriting them may improve clarity.
4. Watch out for indefinite pronouns
Words such as everyone, someone, each, and anybody are generally treated as singular subjects in standard grammar. - Everyone has a textbook. - Each of the students is responsible for the assignment. - Somebody needs assistance. The noun in a phrase beginning with of does not automatically determine the verb. In the second example, students is plural, but each is the subject.
5. Avoid agreement errors in longer sentences
Consider: The list of examination topics, including grammar and vocabulary, contains ten sections. The subject is list, so contains is correct. The words between the subject and verb provide additional information but do not change the subject's number. Reading the sentence slowly can help you locate the subject and verb before deciding whether they agree.
How to prepare for HESI A2 grammar
Practice identifying subjects, correcting agreement errors, and reading sentences for meaning. When you miss a question, determine whether you confused the subject with a nearby noun or misunderstood the verb form.
Final tip:
Do not choose a verb simply because it sounds right next to the nearest noun. Find the true subject first, determine whether it is singular or plural, and then select the matching verb.
