Understanding subject-verb agreement

What is subject-verb agreement?

Subject-verb agreement is when the subject and verb tenses match in a sentence. Tenses refer to where the subject and verb are in time (past, present, or future). So, if the subject in a sentence is identified in present tense, the verb must also be written in present tense.

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The person (first person, second person, or third person) and number (singular or plural) of the subject and verb must also match. This means that if a subject’s pronouns are written in first-person plural (“we”), then the verb must be aligned to support the person and number of the subject.

Here’s an example of how this works:

I waddle in the snow.

The sentence above uses the present tense, and the subject (“I”) agrees with the verb (“waddle”). In this instance, the verb ending would be consistent with every person and number except for third-person singular.

Third person singular subjects in present tense

In the present tense, most subjects use the same verb ending. However, a subject that’s written in the third-person singular tense would have an -s ending.

Let’s use the previous example to break this down:

• First-person singular: I waddle in the snow.
• Second-person singular: You waddle in the snow.
• Third-person singular: The penguin waddles in the snow.
• First-person plural: We waddle in the snow.
• Second-person plural: You waddle in the snow.
• Third-person plural: The penguins waddle in the snow.

The sentence with the third-person singular subject uses an -s ending for the verb, whereas the other sentences share the same verb ending. If the sentence with the third-person singular subject was written as “The penguin waddle in the snow”, it would be incorrect. The only exception to this rule is “to be” verbs. With “to be” verbs, all the verb endings are the same (“I am waddling,” “You are waddling,” “The penguin is waddling”).

In past and future tenses, the verb endings are all consistent. “[Subject] was waddling in the snow” and “[Subject] will be waddling in the snow” all share the same verb ending.

Sentences with multiple verbs

If a sentence has multiple verbs, the verb tenses must be consistent with each other.

Let’s use the previous example:

The penguin waddles in the snow and dives into the ocean.

There are two verbs in the sentence above (waddles and dives). Both verbs agree with the subject and the tenses are consistent. If either of the verb endings were different, the sentence would not make as much sense.

The penguin waddles in the snow and dove into the ocean.

Here, the verb “waddles” is written in present tense, while “dove” is written in past tense. Because the subject is currently doing something at the beginning of the sentence, it wouldn’t make sense to suddenly switch the tenses at the end.

Use your best judgement

If you aren’t following subject-verb agreement, your sentence might sound a little off. Reading through your sentence after writing it will help you identify misused verb endings and other common grammatical errors. You can also rely on a grammar checking tool like Microsoft Editor to get a second look at your writing and find lingering errors.

Good writing can help you communicate your ideas clearly and make it easier for your audience to understand what you’re trying to say. Find more writing tips to improve your grammar skills.