Definition

In English, the verb only needs to match the number and occasionally the person; subject-verb agreement is a grammar rule that states that the verb or verbs in a phrase must match the number, person, and gender of the subject. For instance, the verb "goes" is used differently when the singular subject it and the plural subject they are used together.

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This can be a tricky area, as there are many rules to consider. However, by following a few simple steps, you can ensure that your writing is free from this error.

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Examples

Firstly, make sure that the subject and verb agree in number. If the subject is singular, the verb must also be singular. For example:

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The cat sleeps on the mat. 

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If the subject is plural, the verb must also be plural. For example:

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The cats sleep on the mat. 

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Remember, if the subject is a pronoun, it must agree with the verb in both number and person. For example:

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• I sleep on the mat. 

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• We sleep on the mat. 

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• You sleep on the mat. 

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• They sleep on the mat. 

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Secondly, make sure that the verb agrees with the subject in tense. If the subject is in the present tense, the verb must also be in the present tense. For example:

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The cat sleeps on the mat. 

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If the subject is in the past tense, the verb must also be in the past tense. For example:

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The cat slept on the mat. 

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Similarly, if the subject is in the future tense, the verb must also be in the future tense. For example:

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The cat will sleep on the mat. 

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Conclusion

Finally, make sure that the verb agrees with the subject in mood. If the subject is in the indicative mood, the verb must also be in the indicative mood. For example:

The cat sleep on the mat. You can also download our app from the playstore or visit our website.