10 Subject Verb Agreement Exercises Printable

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Understanding subject-verb agreement is a fundamental aspect of mastering the English language. It's crucial for clear communication and effective writing. The concept might seem straightforward, but it can be quite nuanced, especially in complex sentences or when dealing with collective nouns, indefinite pronouns, or words that can be both singular and plural.

Why Practice Subject-Verb Agreement?

Practicing subject-verb agreement is essential for anyone looking to improve their English language skills. It's not just about passing grammar tests; it's about communicating effectively and accurately. Good subject-verb agreement skills can enhance your writing, make your speech clearer, and demonstrate your professionalism in academic and professional settings.

10 Printable Exercises for Subject-Verb Agreement

Here are ten exercises you can use to practice and reinforce your understanding of subject-verb agreement. These exercises cover a range of scenarios, from simple sentences to more complex constructions.

Exercise 1: Basic Agreement

Identify whether the subject of each sentence is singular or plural and correct the verb to match.

1. The cat (sleep/sleeps) all day.
2. The team (win/wins) every game.
3. The committee (meet/meets) twice a week.

Exercise 2: Collective Nouns

Decide whether the collective noun is being used as a single unit or a collection of individuals and choose the correct verb form.

1. The family (is/are) going on vacation.
2. The team (was/were) divided on the issue.
3. The crowd (cheers/cheer) as the concert begins.

Exercise 3: Indefinite Pronouns

Indefinite pronouns can be tricky. Identify the subject and choose the correct verb form.

1. Everyone (loves/love) ice cream.
2. Someone (has/have) taken my book.
3. All (was/were) quiet in the library.

Exercise 4: Subjects Connected by "Or" or "Nor"

When subjects are connected by "or" or "nor," choose the verb form that matches the subject closer to the verb.

1. Either the manager or the assistants (make/makes) the schedule.
2. Neither the book nor the movie (was/were) any good.
3. Either the students or the teacher (is/are) responsible.

Exercise 5: Modifiers and Phrases

Identify the subject and ignore any modifiers or phrases that come between the subject and the verb.

1. The box, filled with toys, (sits/sit) on the shelf.
2. The books on the top shelf (belong/belongs) to her.
3. The student with the highest GPA (wins/win) the award.

Exercise 6: Titles and Names

Titles and names can be singular or plural. Choose the correct verb form based on the subject.

1. "The Sound and the Fury" (is/are) a complex novel.
2. The Beatles (was/were) a groundbreaking band.
3. The United States (is/are) a federal republic.

Exercise 7: Plural Nouns Ending in -s

Not all nouns ending in -s are plural. Identify the subject and choose the correct verb form.

1. The news (is/are) all about the election.
2. The scissors (is/are) sharp.
3. The mathematics (is/are) a challenging subject.

Exercise 8: Words That Can Be Singular or Plural

Some words can be both singular and plural, depending on the context. Choose the correct verb form.

1. The deer (runs/run) across the field.
2. The police (is/are) investigating the crime.
3. The series (was/were) a huge success.

Exercise 9: Compound Subjects

When two subjects are connected by "and," choose the plural verb form. However, if the subjects are connected by "or" or "nor," choose the verb form that matches the subject closer to the verb.

1. The CEO and the shareholders (are/is) concerned about the profits.
2. The manager or the assistant (makes/make) the schedule.
3. The students and the teacher (is/are) going on a field trip.

Exercise 10: Complex Sentences

Identify the main clause subject and choose the correct verb form. Ignore any subordinate clauses.

1. Because the weather (is/are) cold, we stayed inside.
2. When the team (wins/win), they celebrate.
3. Unless the student (studies/study), they will not pass.

Conclusion and Next Steps

Mastering subject-verb agreement takes practice, but with these exercises, you'll be well on your way to enhancing your English language skills. Remember, the key is understanding the subject of each sentence and choosing the verb form that matches. For more practice, create your own sentences and identify the correct verb form.