Small Business Resource

1. Number Agreement: A singular subject takes a singular verb. A plural subject takes a plural verb.

Example: This radio has six preset buttons. (singular)
Example: Most radios have six preset buttons. (plural)

2. Person Agreement: A subject should also agree in “person” (1st person perspective, etc.) with its subject.

Tip: This affects only 3rd person singular subjects
in the present tense.

Example: He runs to the store.
Example: The table looks warped.

Tip: Non 3rd Person Singular Subjects

Example: I run to the store.
Example: We run to the store.

Tip:  The verb “to be” is an auxiliary verb and has eight forms.

(1) Present Tense: am, is, are

Example: I am hungry.
Example: She is hungry.
Example: We are hungry.

(2) Past Tense: was, were

Example: I was hungry.
Example: We were hungry.

(3) Infinitive, Past Participle & Present Participle: be, been, being

Example: He has yet to be identified.
Example: He had been mean to my sister.
Example: He was being mean to my sister.

Hint: An agreement problem can sometimes occur when the verb of a sentence precedes the subject.

Example: [Wrong] There was several writers waiting
for their articles to be approved.

Example: [Right] There were several writers waiting
for their articles to be approved.