Subject–verb agreement - Graduate Writing Center

The power players of sentences, subjects and verbs need to agree with each other, which means using the appropriate verb form for the subject. Subjects and verbs should agree in number; that is, both should be either singular or plural.

Ask yourself which is correct:

• The United States has many experienced leaders.
• The United States have many experienced leaders.

If this trips you up, you're not alone. Some practice exercises can go a long way!

Subject – Verb Agreement Links

• Handout (printable): "Subject Verb Agreement," Purdue OWL
• Video: "Subject Verb Agreement," Khan Academy
• Exercises: "Subject-Verb Agreement," Khan Academy

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