Basic Grammar Skills
Lesson 4: Sentence Structure
Subject and Verb Agreements
When you are writing a sentence, you need to make sure you use a singular subject with a singular verb and a plural subject with a plural verb.
Let's look at the following examples of singular subjects and verbs.
Singular Subjects and Verbs
1. Megan went to get her journal out of her secret hiding place.
2. The rainbow was colorful.
3. Jenny's favorite hobby is writing.
4. I enjoy reading different kinds of literature.
5. Christy enjoys writing in her journal.
Plural Subjects and Verbs
When you have a plural noun, then you need a plural verb
1. Tom and Jim like to go to basketball games more than football.
2. Nancy and Penny enjoy staying at home and watching videos.
3. The children were glad that school was over for summer vacation.
4. The shoes were too tight.
5. Timmy and Susie broke their toys within two days.
Subject and Verb Agreements
When you have a sentence, your subject and verb both need to agree.
Let's look at the following sentence:
1. They were going to go shopping. (correct)
2. They is going to go shopping. (incorrect)
In the first sentence, the subject is plural and the verb is plural.
In the second sentence, the subject is plural and the verb is singular. That's why the second sentence is incorrect.
Let's look at the following exercises and see if you can choose the correct verb.
Exercises
1. They (was, were) not sure of the class assignment.
2. He (was, were) not wanting to go shopping with his mother.
3. I (am, are) excited about my new teacher.
4. We (have, has) been looking forward to the weekend so we can go to the movies.
5. She (is, are) taking online courses.
6. Tom and Mary (is, are) going to be married.
7. Sadey (likes, like) to play with her squeaky ball.
8. Christy (enjoys, enjoy) reading mysteries.
9. Megan (wants, want) to read suspense books by various authors.
10. The squirrel (plays, play) on the squirrel-go-round everyday.
11. The computer (work, works) great since Mary had it fixed.
12. I (wants, want) to read different kinds of literature.
13. The basketball player (score, scores) several points each game.
14. We (needs, need) you to practice your lines for the play every day.
15. We (like, likes) to look at the new cars in the car lot.
16. She (jog, jogs) everyday after work.
17. You (cans, can) go with me to the movies this weekend, can't you?
18. Mary's children (enjoys, enjoy) playing the piano.
19. The baby (walk, walks) now.
20. Penny (was excited, were excited) about getting new clothes for school.
Print this page
Latest Articles