Subject-Verb Agreement - 6th Grade Grammar
Subject-Verb Agreement
Verbs must agree with their subjects in number: A singular subject requires a singular verb, and a plural subject requires a plural verb.
Present tense verbs with a single subject add -s to the base.
Examples:
Julia walks her dog each morning.
A hiker walks along trails that are not very steep.
A rock climber needs special equipment to ascend a mountain.
Present tense verbs with a plural subject do not add -s.
Examples:
Cole and Remy walk to school every day.
Rock climbers choose steeper slopes.
Smooth rocks require special climbing techniques.
Steel spikes help the climber reach the top.
A verb may have more than one subject. More than one subject for the same verb is called a compound subject. Treat a compound subject like a plural subject and do not add -s to the verb.
Examples:
The players and coaches meet on the field.
Shoulder pads and helmets protect the players.
A collective noun is considered singular if it names the group as a whole. It is considered plural if it refers to the group’s members as individuals.
Examples:
The football team practices every day after school.
The team drink water during and after practice.
Select the correct present-tense form.