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๐ Content updated on 21 April 2026
⚖️ Subject‑Verb Agreement – Quick Summary:
The verb must agree with its subject in number (singular/plural) and person (first, second, third). Singular subjects take singular verbs (He plays). Plural subjects take plural verbs (They play). Special rules apply for collective nouns, indefinite pronouns, and compound subjects.
๐ง๐ซ Instructions for Teachers & Students: Choose the correct verb form that agrees with the subject in each sentence. Then click “Show Answer” for the correct choice and a clear explanation of the rule.
๐ง๐ซ Instructions for Teachers & Students: Choose the correct verb form that agrees with the subject in each sentence. Then click “Show Answer” for the correct choice and a clear explanation of the rule.
In this worksheet:
(Click any topic to jump straight to that section)
Subject‑verb agreement is the backbone of grammatical accuracy. For more on sentence structure, visit the
Sentence Structure hub.
To expand your verb knowledge further, try the
Phrasal Verbs & Verb Phrases worksheet.
✅ Solved Examples (20 Questions with Answers)
Study these to see how subjects and verbs work together.
Solved Q.1
"She _____ (play/plays) the guitar beautifully."
Show Answer
Answer: plays
Explanation: Singular subject 'She' (third person singular) takes a verb ending in -s or -es in simple present tense.
Example: He reads every night.
Explanation: Singular subject 'She' (third person singular) takes a verb ending in -s or -es in simple present tense.
Example: He reads every night.
Solved Q.2
"The children _____ (is/are) playing in the park."
Show Answer
Answer: are
Explanation: 'Children' is plural. Plural subjects take plural verbs (are, were, have).
Example: The boys are playing cricket.
Explanation: 'Children' is plural. Plural subjects take plural verbs (are, were, have).
Example: The boys are playing cricket.
Solved Q.3
"Either Riya or her sisters _____ (is/are) coming to the party."
Show Answer
Answer: are
Explanation: With 'either...or' / 'neither...nor', the verb agrees with the nearer subject. 'Sisters' is plural, so 'are'.
Example: Neither the teacher nor the students were aware.
Explanation: With 'either...or' / 'neither...nor', the verb agrees with the nearer subject. 'Sisters' is plural, so 'are'.
Example: Neither the teacher nor the students were aware.
Solved Q.4
"The team _____ (has/have) won the match."
Show Answer
Answer: has
Explanation: Collective nouns like 'team' are usually singular when the group acts as one unit. Singular verb 'has'.
Example: The committee has decided.
Explanation: Collective nouns like 'team' are usually singular when the group acts as one unit. Singular verb 'has'.
Example: The committee has decided.
Solved Q.5
"Everyone _____ (know/knows) the answer."
Show Answer
Answer: knows
Explanation: Indefinite pronouns like everyone, someone, nobody, each are always singular and take singular verbs.
Example: Somebody has left the door open.
Explanation: Indefinite pronouns like everyone, someone, nobody, each are always singular and take singular verbs.
Example: Somebody has left the door open.
Solved Q.6
"Mathematics _____ (is/are) my favourite subject."
Show Answer
Answer: is
Explanation: Subjects like 'mathematics', 'physics', 'news' look plural but are singular and take singular verbs.
Example: The news is good.
Explanation: Subjects like 'mathematics', 'physics', 'news' look plural but are singular and take singular verbs.
Example: The news is good.
Solved Q.7
"The pair of shoes _____ (is/are) expensive."
Show Answer
Answer: is
Explanation: The subject is 'pair', which is singular. Phrases like 'of shoes' are modifiers and don't affect agreement.
Example: A bunch of grapes was on the table.
Explanation: The subject is 'pair', which is singular. Phrases like 'of shoes' are modifiers and don't affect agreement.
Example: A bunch of grapes was on the table.
Solved Q.8
"Neither of the two options _____ (seem/seems) good."
Show Answer
Answer: seems
Explanation: 'Neither' is singular when used alone. 'Neither of' takes a singular verb in formal English.
Example: Either of the dresses is fine.
Explanation: 'Neither' is singular when used alone. 'Neither of' takes a singular verb in formal English.
Example: Either of the dresses is fine.
Solved Q.9
"Ten rupees _____ (is/are) not a big amount."
Show Answer
Answer: is
Explanation: When a plural noun denotes a specific amount, distance, or time considered as a single unit, it takes a singular verb.
Example: Five kilometres is a long walk.
Explanation: When a plural noun denotes a specific amount, distance, or time considered as a single unit, it takes a singular verb.
Example: Five kilometres is a long walk.
Solved Q.10
"The committee _____ (has/have) differing opinions."
Show Answer
Answer: have
Explanation: When a collective noun refers to individuals acting separately, it takes a plural verb. 'Differing opinions' suggests individual members.
Example: The team are arguing among themselves.
Explanation: When a collective noun refers to individuals acting separately, it takes a plural verb. 'Differing opinions' suggests individual members.
Example: The team are arguing among themselves.
Solved Q.11
"The number of students _____ (is/are) increasing."
Show Answer
Answer: is
Explanation: 'The number' is singular, so it takes 'is'. Compare: 'A number of students' would take 'are' (plural).
Example: The number of cars has grown.
Explanation: 'The number' is singular, so it takes 'is'. Compare: 'A number of students' would take 'are' (plural).
Example: The number of cars has grown.
Solved Q.12
"Many a man _____ (has/have) made that mistake."
Show Answer
Answer: has
Explanation: 'Many a' is an idiomatic expression meaning 'many', but it is followed by a singular noun and takes a singular verb.
Example: Many a student struggles with this rule.
Explanation: 'Many a' is an idiomatic expression meaning 'many', but it is followed by a singular noun and takes a singular verb.
Example: Many a student struggles with this rule.
Solved Q.13
"Bread and butter _____ (is/are) my favourite breakfast."
Show Answer
Answer: is
Explanation: When two nouns together express a single idea or unit, they take a singular verb.
Example: Slow and steady wins the race.
Explanation: When two nouns together express a single idea or unit, they take a singular verb.
Example: Slow and steady wins the race.
Solved Q.14
"The police _____ (has/have) arrested the thief."
Show Answer
Answer: have
Explanation: Certain nouns like 'police', 'cattle', 'people' are always plural and take plural verbs.
Example: The cattle are grazing.
Explanation: Certain nouns like 'police', 'cattle', 'people' are always plural and take plural verbs.
Example: The cattle are grazing.
Solved Q.15
"None of the food _____ (was/were) wasted."
Show Answer
Answer: was
Explanation: 'None' can be singular or plural. With uncountable nouns like 'food', it's singular.
Example: None of the water was clean.
Explanation: 'None' can be singular or plural. With uncountable nouns like 'food', it's singular.
Example: None of the water was clean.
Solved Q.16
"The singer and dancer _____ (is/are) performing tonight." (one person)
Show Answer
Answer: is
Explanation: If the same person is both singer and dancer, the subject is singular. If two different people, it would be 'The singer and the dancer are'.
Example: The author and poet has arrived.
Explanation: If the same person is both singer and dancer, the subject is singular. If two different people, it would be 'The singer and the dancer are'.
Example: The author and poet has arrived.
Solved Q.17
"Each boy and each girl _____ (has/have) a textbook."
Show Answer
Answer: has
Explanation: When 'each' precedes a compound subject, the verb is singular.
Example: Each man and each woman was given a task.
Explanation: When 'each' precedes a compound subject, the verb is singular.
Example: Each man and each woman was given a task.
Solved Q.18
"More than one student _____ (has/have) failed."
Show Answer
Answer: has
Explanation: 'More than one' takes a singular noun and a singular verb, despite the plural meaning.
Example: More than one car was damaged.
Explanation: 'More than one' takes a singular noun and a singular verb, despite the plural meaning.
Example: More than one car was damaged.
Solved Q.19
"There _____ (is/are) several reasons for this."
Show Answer
Answer: are
Explanation: In sentences starting with 'There' or 'Here', the verb agrees with the real subject that follows. 'Reasons' is plural.
Example: There is a cat in the garden. There are two cats.
Explanation: In sentences starting with 'There' or 'Here', the verb agrees with the real subject that follows. 'Reasons' is plural.
Example: There is a cat in the garden. There are two cats.
Solved Q.20
"One of the boxes _____ (is/are) missing."
Show Answer
Answer: is
Explanation: The subject is 'One', which is singular. 'Of the boxes' is a prepositional phrase modifying the subject.
Example: One of the students has won.
Explanation: The subject is 'One', which is singular. 'Of the boxes' is a prepositional phrase modifying the subject.
Example: One of the students has won.
In Hindi, เคเคฐ्เคคा‑เค्เคฐिเคฏा เค
เคจ्เคตเคฏ follows similar logic. See the
Hindi Grammar Hub.
For more verb‑related practice, the
Phrasal Verbs worksheet is next.
✏️ Practice Questions (20 Questions with Answers)
Choose the correct verb form that agrees with the subject.
Practice Q.1
"My brother and I _____ (am/is/are) going to the market."
Show Answer
Answer: are
Explanation: Compound subject joined by 'and' is plural.
Example: She and her friend are coming.
Explanation: Compound subject joined by 'and' is plural.
Example: She and her friend are coming.
Practice Q.2
"Neither the players nor the coach _____ (was/were) happy."
Show Answer
Answer: was
Explanation: Verb agrees with nearer subject 'coach' (singular).
Example: Neither the teacher nor the students were late. (nearer 'students' plural)
Explanation: Verb agrees with nearer subject 'coach' (singular).
Example: Neither the teacher nor the students were late. (nearer 'students' plural)
Practice Q.3
"Each of the girls _____ (has/have) a bicycle."
Show Answer
Answer: has
Explanation: 'Each' is singular.
Example: Each of the books is interesting.
Explanation: 'Each' is singular.
Example: Each of the books is interesting.
Practice Q.4
"The trousers _____ (is/are) too tight."
Show Answer
Answer: are
Explanation: Nouns like 'trousers', 'scissors', 'glasses' are plural and take plural verbs.
Example: My scissors are sharp.
Explanation: Nouns like 'trousers', 'scissors', 'glasses' are plural and take plural verbs.
Example: My scissors are sharp.
Practice Q.5
"A lot of money _____ (was/were) spent."
Show Answer
Answer: was
Explanation: 'Money' is uncountable, singular verb.
Example: A lot of water has been wasted.
Explanation: 'Money' is uncountable, singular verb.
Example: A lot of water has been wasted.
Practice Q.6
"The jury _____ (has/have) given its verdict."
Show Answer
Answer: has
Explanation: 'Jury' acting as one unit → singular.
Example: The family is having dinner.
Explanation: 'Jury' acting as one unit → singular.
Example: The family is having dinner.
Practice Q.7
"Physics _____ (is/are) a difficult subject for many."
Show Answer
Answer: is
Explanation: Singular noun ending in -s.
Example: Politics is interesting.
Explanation: Singular noun ending in -s.
Example: Politics is interesting.
Practice Q.8
"Neither of the candidates _____ (seem/seems) suitable."
Show Answer
Answer: seems
Explanation: 'Neither' singular.
Example: Either of the two is acceptable.
Explanation: 'Neither' singular.
Example: Either of the two is acceptable.
Practice Q.9
"The captain, along with the players, _____ (was/were) felicitated."
Show Answer
Answer: was
Explanation: Phrases like 'along with', 'as well as' don't change the number of the subject. Subject is 'captain' (singular).
Example: The teacher, as well as the students, is present.
Explanation: Phrases like 'along with', 'as well as' don't change the number of the subject. Subject is 'captain' (singular).
Example: The teacher, as well as the students, is present.
Practice Q.10
"Twenty dollars _____ (is/are) the price."
Show Answer
Answer: is
Explanation: Amount as a single unit → singular verb.
Example: Fifty rupees is enough.
Explanation: Amount as a single unit → singular verb.
Example: Fifty rupees is enough.
Practice Q.11
"Everyone in the room _____ (was/were) laughing."
Show Answer
Answer: was
Explanation: 'Everyone' singular.
Example: Somebody is calling.
Explanation: 'Everyone' singular.
Example: Somebody is calling.
Practice Q.12
"The cattle _____ (is/are) grazing in the field."
Show Answer
Answer: are
Explanation: 'Cattle' is always plural.
Example: The people have gathered.
Explanation: 'Cattle' is always plural.
Example: The people have gathered.
Practice Q.13
"Many a student _____ (try/tries) hard to succeed."
Show Answer
Answer: tries
Explanation: 'Many a' takes singular verb.
Example: Many a flower blooms in spring.
Explanation: 'Many a' takes singular verb.
Example: Many a flower blooms in spring.
Practice Q.14
"There _____ (is/are) a pen and two pencils on the desk."
Show Answer
Answer: is
Explanation: Verb agrees with the first subject 'a pen' (singular).
Example: There are two pencils and a pen.
Explanation: Verb agrees with the first subject 'a pen' (singular).
Example: There are two pencils and a pen.
Practice Q.15
"The number of accidents _____ (has/have) decreased."
Show Answer
Answer: has
Explanation: 'The number' singular.
Example: A number of people have arrived. (plural)
Explanation: 'The number' singular.
Example: A number of people have arrived. (plural)
Practice Q.16
"Slow and steady _____ (win/wins) the race."
Show Answer
Answer: wins
Explanation: Single idea/unit.
Example: Bread and butter is my breakfast.
Explanation: Single idea/unit.
Example: Bread and butter is my breakfast.
Practice Q.17
"None of the students _____ (was/were) able to answer."
Show Answer
Answer: were (or was acceptable)
Explanation: With plural countable noun 'students', 'were' is common, though 'was' is also grammatically acceptable.
Example: None of the books were interesting.
Explanation: With plural countable noun 'students', 'were' is common, though 'was' is also grammatically acceptable.
Example: None of the books were interesting.
Practice Q.18
"The pair of gloves _____ (is/are) missing."
Show Answer
Answer: is
Explanation: Subject is 'pair' (singular).
Example: The set of dishes was expensive.
Explanation: Subject is 'pair' (singular).
Example: The set of dishes was expensive.
Practice Q.19
"More than one employee _____ (has/have) complained."
Show Answer
Answer: has
Explanation: 'More than one' takes singular verb.
Example: More than one car was stolen.
Explanation: 'More than one' takes singular verb.
Example: More than one car was stolen.
Practice Q.20
"The committee members _____ (has/have) not yet arrived."
Show Answer
Answer: have
Explanation: 'Members' is plural; collective noun 'committee' modifies it.
Example: The team players are warming up.
Explanation: 'Members' is plural; collective noun 'committee' modifies it.
Example: The team players are warming up.
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๐ Challenge Questions (10 Questions with Answers)
These test tricky agreement scenarios.
Challenge Q.1
"Two and two _____ (make/makes) four."
Show Answer
Answer: makes (or make)
Explanation: Mathematical statements are often treated as singular ('makes' is common). Both are accepted.
Example: Two plus two is four.
Explanation: Mathematical statements are often treated as singular ('makes' is common). Both are accepted.
Example: Two plus two is four.
Challenge Q.2
"Neither of the two girls _____ (has/have) brought her book."
Show Answer
Answer: has
Explanation: Formal English uses singular after 'neither of'.
Example: Neither of the options seems good.
Explanation: Formal English uses singular after 'neither of'.
Example: Neither of the options seems good.
Challenge Q.3
"A large number of people _____ (was/were) present."
Show Answer
Answer: were
Explanation: 'A number of' is plural; 'The number of' is singular.
Example: A number of complaints have been received.
Explanation: 'A number of' is plural; 'The number of' is singular.
Example: A number of complaints have been received.
Challenge Q.4
"The majority of the cake _____ (was/were) eaten."
Show Answer
Answer: was
Explanation: 'Cake' is uncountable → singular verb.
Example: The majority of the work is done.
Explanation: 'Cake' is uncountable → singular verb.
Example: The majority of the work is done.
Challenge Q.5
"Half of the students _____ (is/are) absent."
Show Answer
Answer: are
Explanation: With countable plural noun 'students', use plural verb.
Example: Half of the milk was spilt. (uncountable)
Explanation: With countable plural noun 'students', use plural verb.
Example: Half of the milk was spilt. (uncountable)
Challenge Q.6
"What _____ (is/are) the consequences of this action?"
Show Answer
Answer: are
Explanation: Verb agrees with the subject complement 'consequences' (plural).
Example: What are your plans?
Explanation: Verb agrees with the subject complement 'consequences' (plural).
Example: What are your plans?
Challenge Q.7
"The singer and the dancer _____ (has/have) arrived." (two people)
Show Answer
Answer: have
Explanation: Repeated article 'the' indicates two separate people → plural.
Example: The poet and the author are here.
Explanation: Repeated article 'the' indicates two separate people → plural.
Example: The poet and the author are here.
Challenge Q.8
"One of the students who _____ (has/have) passed is my friend."
Show Answer
Answer: have
Explanation: The relative pronoun 'who' refers to 'students' (plural).
Example: He is one of those who work hard.
Explanation: The relative pronoun 'who' refers to 'students' (plural).
Example: He is one of those who work hard.
Challenge Q.9
"The Arabian Nights _____ (is/are) an interesting book."
Show Answer
Answer: is
Explanation: Title of a book, though plural in form, is singular.
Example: 'Great Expectations' is a classic.
Explanation: Title of a book, though plural in form, is singular.
Example: 'Great Expectations' is a classic.
Challenge Q.10
"Every boy and every girl _____ (was/were) given a prize."
Show Answer
Answer: was
Explanation: 'Every' emphasises individual members; verb is singular.
Example: Every man and every woman has the right to vote.
Explanation: 'Every' emphasises individual members; verb is singular.
Example: Every man and every woman has the right to vote.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
FAQ 1
What is subject‑verb agreement?
Show Answer
Answer: It means the verb must match its subject in number (singular/plural) and person (I, you, he/she/it).
FAQ 2
Do collective nouns take singular or plural verbs?
Show Answer
Answer: Singular when the group acts as one unit (The team is winning). Plural when individuals act separately (The team are arguing).
FAQ 3
Which indefinite pronouns are always singular?
Show Answer
Answer: Each, every, everyone, someone, anyone, no one, nobody, either, neither. They take singular verbs.
FAQ 4
How does 'either...or' affect verb agreement?
Show Answer
Answer: The verb agrees with the subject closer to it. E.g., "Either the boys or the girl is..." / "Either the girl or the boys are..."
FAQ 5
What about phrases like 'along with' or 'as well as'?
Show Answer
Answer: They do not change the number of the subject. E.g., "The teacher, along with the students, is present." (Subject 'teacher' is singular).
