Subject–Verb Agreement (SVA)
All SVA Rules — Table Overview
| Rule | Example Sentences | Example Questions |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Singular subjects take -s/-es Use -s/-es for one person or thing. Pattern: Singular Subject + Verb-s/es Tip: Think "one person/thing → add -s/-es" |
The boy drinks milk every morning. My sister cooks pasta well. |
Does the boy drink milk every morning? Does my sister cook pasta well? |
| 2. Plural subjects use base verb No -s/-es for more than one person or thing. Pattern: Plural Subject + Base Verb Tip: Think "more than one → base verb" |
The students study together every night. My parents work in Manila. |
Do the students study together every night? Do your parents work in Manila? |
| 3. "I" and "You" always use base verb I/You never add -s/-es. Pattern: I/You + Base Verb Tip: Always use base verb with I or You |
I drink coffee every morning. You speak English clearly. |
Do I drink too much coffee? Do you speak English clearly? |
| 4. Two subjects joined by "and" = plural Use base verb for two things/people together. Pattern: A and B + Base Verb Tip: "A and B" = plural → base verb |
Maria and Ana walk to school together. The dog and the cat sleep on the sofa. |
Do Maria and Ana walk to school together? Do the dog and the cat sleep on the sofa? |
| 5. Verb follows nearest subject in compound subjects Look at the last subject to decide the verb. Pattern: Nearest Subject + Verb Tip: Last subject = singular or plural verb |
Either the manager or the employees prefer the new schedule. Either the employees or the manager prefers the new schedule. Neither the cat nor the dogs are hungry now. Neither the dogs nor the cat is hungry now. |
Does either the manager or the employees prefer the new schedule? Are neither the cat nor the dogs hungry now? |
| 6. Indefinite pronouns = singular Words like each, everyone, somebody, anyone, no one, neither, either take singular verb. Pattern: Indefinite Pronoun + Verb-s Tip: One person/thing → singular verb |
Each student has a workbook. Someone is at the door. Neither of the options is correct. Either choice works fine. |
Does each student have a workbook? Is someone at the door? |
| 7. Collective nouns usually singular Treat team, class, family as one unit. Pattern: Collective Noun + Verb-s Tip: Use singular unless context shows otherwise |
The team wins the championship this year. |
Does the team win the championship this year? |
| 8. Uncountable nouns = singular Things you cannot count take singular verb. Pattern: Uncountable Noun + Verb-s Tip: Examples: water, rice, information → singular verb |
All the rice is in the pot. |
Is all the rice in the pot? |
Quiz — Part 1 (Fill in the blank.)
Type the correct verb form. Submit to see score and feedback. You can retake anytime.
Quiz — Part 2 (Fill in the blanks)
Read the story. Each blank shows the base verb. Type the correct SVA form.
Every morning, Liza and Mark to the market. Liza always fresh vegetables, while Mark the bags. The weather quickly, and it sometimes . I coffee before leaving home. You to dress warmly. The dog and the cat peacefully. Either the teacher or the students quiet classrooms. Neither the rain nor the strong wind them from enjoying the walk. Each child a basket. Someone watching from afar. The team the annual game. All the bread fresh. Tom and Jerry around happily.
Tip: Encourage students to say the subject aloud: "Who or what is the subject? Is it singular or plural?" This helps in choosing the correct verb form.