1. Lesson Overview
In this lesson, you will learn:
- What the subject–verb agreement means
- Singular vs plural agreement
- Agreement in the present tense
- Agreement with “be” verbs
- Common beginner mistakes
Agreement means:
The verb must match the subject in number.
2. Basic Rule
Singular subject → singular verb
Plural subject → plural verb
Examples
The Pacific Ocean is vast.
Oceans are important ecosystems.
3. Present Simple Agreement
Add -s / -es for third person singular.
Singular:
She studies biology.
The scientist researches climate change.
Plural:
They study biology.
Scientists research climate change.
4. Agreement with “Be.”
|
Subject |
Verb |
|
I |
am |
|
He/She/It |
is |
|
You/We/They |
are |
Examples:
Mount Everest is the highest peak.
The Himalayas are located in Asia.
5. Compound Subjects with “And.”
Usually plural.
Climate change and deforestation affect ecosystems.
Two subjects → plural verb.
A single idea:
Bread and butter is a common breakfast.
When two words form one unit → singular.
6. Subjects Between Subject and Verb
Ignore prepositional phrases.
Incorrect:
The list of items are on the table.
Correct:
The list of items is on the table.
Main subject = list (singular)
7. Common Errors
⚠ Confusing plural noun with singular verb
Incorrect: The students is ready.
Correct: The students are ready.
⚠ Forgetting -s in third person
Incorrect: She walk to school every day.
Correct: She walks to school every day.
⚠ Matching verb with nearest noun
Incorrect:
The students in the classroom studies hard.
Correct:
The students in the classroom study hard.
8. End of Lesson Check
You should now be able to:
✅Match singular and plural forms
✅Apply present tense agreement
✅Identify the real subject
✅Avoid basic agreement errors