Subject–verb agreement
Definition
Subject–verb agreement means that the finite verb takes the form required by its subject where English marks a difference. This is especially visible with be and in the present simple third-person singular.
Examples
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Maya works from home.
The singular subject Maya takes the present simple form works.
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Maya and Leo work from home.
The coordinated plural subject takes the base form work.
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The documents are ready.
The plural subject takes are.
True subject vs. nearby noun
The box of tools is heavy.
The subject's head noun is box, so the verb is singular.
The tools in the box are heavy.
The subject's head noun is tools, so the verb is plural.
Agreement follows the grammatical head of the subject phrase, not simply the noun closest to the verb.
Some subjects require meaning-sensitive agreement
Indefinite pronouns such as everyone, someone, and each are grammatically singular. Amounts, titles, and collective nouns may require attention to whether they are treated as one unit or as separate members.
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Everyone knows the answer.
Everyone is grammatically singular.
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Ten kilometres is too far to walk.
The distance is treated as one total amount.
Common mistakes
The list of names are on the desk.
The list of names is on the desk.
The singular head noun list controls agreement.
Everyone know the answer.
Everyone knows the answer.
Everyone takes a singular present simple verb.
Quick check
Question 1 of 3
Which verb agrees with The key to the cabinets?
The head noun key is singular.Which sentence has correct present simple agreement?
A third-person singular subject takes arrives.Which sentence correctly treats an amount as one unit?
The amount is viewed as one total, so singular is is natural.Nice work — you've completed the quick check.
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