The fundamental difference between a singular verb and a plural verb lies in their agreement with the subject of the sentence: a singular verb pairs with a singular subject, while a plural verb pairs with a plural subject. This grammatical principle is known as subject-verb agreement.
Understanding Singular and Plural Verbs
Verbs change their form to match whether the subject performing the action is singular (one) or plural (more than one). This ensures clarity and grammatical correctness in a sentence.
Singular Verbs
A singular verb is used when the subject of the sentence is a single person, place, thing, or idea. Often, in the present tense, singular verbs end with an "s" or "es."
- Characteristics:
- Typically ends in "s" or "es" in the third-person singular present tense (e.g., runs, writes, goes).
- Used with singular nouns (e.g., dog, student, book).
- Used with singular pronouns (e.g., he, she, it).
- Examples:
- The cat sleeps all day.
- She reads a new book every week.
- The flower blooms in spring.
Plural Verbs
A plural verb is used when the subject of the sentence involves more than one person, place, thing, or idea. These verbs do not typically have an "s" ending in the present tense.
- Characteristics:
- Does not usually end in "s" or "es" in the present tense (e.g., run, write, go).
- Used with plural nouns (e.g., dogs, students, books).
- Used with plural pronouns (e.g., we, you, they).
- Used when more than one object or person is performing an action.
- Examples:
- The cats sleep all night.
- They read new books constantly.
- The flowers bloom in spring.
Key Differences at a Glance
The following table summarizes the main distinctions between singular and plural verbs:
Feature | Singular Verb | Plural Verb |
---|---|---|
Subject Type | Used with a singular subject (one). | Used with a plural subject (more than one). |
Common Ending | Often ends in 's' or 'es' in present tense. | Does not typically end in 's' or 'es'. |
Examples | is, was, has, does, runs, walks, eats | are, were, have, do, run, walk, eat |
Function | Describes action by one entity. | Describes action by multiple entities. |
Practical Insights and Common Scenarios
Mastering subject-verb agreement is crucial for clear communication. Here are some practical tips and examples:
- Collective Nouns: Words like team, family, group can be singular or plural depending on context.
- The team is playing well (acting as a single unit).
- The team are debating among themselves (members acting individually).
- Indefinite Pronouns:
- Singular: Each, every, either, neither, one, nobody, someone, anyone, everybody, no one always take a singular verb.
- Everyone is welcome.
- Plural: Both, few, many, several always take a plural verb.
- Many are called, but few are chosen.
- Variable: All, any, most, none, some depend on the noun they refer to.
- Some of the water is spilled.
- Some of the students are late.
- Singular: Each, every, either, neither, one, nobody, someone, anyone, everybody, no one always take a singular verb.
- Compound Subjects:
- Joined by "and" usually take a plural verb: John and Mary are going.
- Joined by "or" or "nor" agree with the subject closest to the verb: Neither the students nor the teacher is ready.
- Phrases between Subject and Verb: Ignore phrases that come between the subject and the verb when determining agreement.
- The box of chocolates is on the table. (The subject is "box," not "chocolates.")
Understanding and correctly applying the rules of singular and plural verbs ensures that your sentences are grammatically sound and easy to comprehend.