Subject-verb agreement is a fundamental rule in English grammar that ensures the subject and verb in a sentence correspond correctly in number and person. This rule applies in all tenses, making it essential to grasp how it functions in different grammatical structures. Let’s explore subject-verb agreement across various tenses with detailed explanations and examples.
Subject + Base Verb (+s/es for third person singular)
This tense is often used for habitual actions, general truths, and facts.
She writes every day.
They write every day.
The sun rises in the east.
Birds sing in the morning.
Subject + am/is/are + Verb-ing
Describes ongoing actions happening right now.
He is writing a book.
We are writing a report.
The baby is crying loudly.
They are watching a movie.
Subject + has/have + Past Participle
Expresses actions that happened at an unspecified time before now or began in the past and continue into the present.
She has written a novel.
They have written many articles.
He has visited Japan three times.
We have finished our homework.
Subject + has/have been + Verb-ing
Indicates actions that started in the past and are still continuing.
He has been writing for hours.
We have been writing letters all day.
She has been studying since morning.
They have been working on this project for weeks.
Subject + Past Verb
Used to describe completed actions in the past.
She wrote a letter.
They wrote letters.
He traveled to Spain last year.
We finished the project on time.
Subject + was/were + Verb-ing
Describes ongoing past actions that were interrupted by another event.
He was writing an essay.
They were writing all night.
She was cooking when the phone rang.
We were playing outside when it started raining.
Subject + had + Past Participle
Expresses an action that was completed before another past event.
She had written a book before.
They had written many reports.
He had finished his meal before they arrived.
We had left the house before the storm began.
Subject + had been + Verb-ing
Shows that an action was happening for a duration before another event in the past.
He had been writing for two hours.
We had been writing since morning.
She had been waiting for the bus for 30 minutes.
They had been working at the company for five years before quitting.
Subject + will + Base Verb
Describes actions that will happen in the future.
She will write a book.
They will write a story.
He will travel to Italy next summer.
We will complete the project soon.
Subject + will be + Verb-ing
Describes an ongoing action that will happen at a specific future time.
He will be writing an essay.
We will be writing reports.
She will be studying at 8 PM.
They will be driving home at this time tomorrow.
Subject + will have + Past Participle
Expresses an action that will be completed before a certain point in the future.
She will have written a book by next year.
They will have written many reports.
He will have finished his assignment before the deadline.
We will have moved to a new house by then.
Subject + will have been + Verb-ing
Describes an action that will continue up to a point in the future.
He will have been writing for three hours.
We will have been writing since morning.
She will have been practicing the piano for years.
They will have been working on this project for months.
🔹 Singular vs. Plural Errors:
❌ Incorrect: She write a book. Correct: She writes a book.
✔️ Correct: The dog barks loudly.
🔹 Inconsistent Verb Forms:
❌ Incorrect: They has written a report.
❌ Incorrect: He have gone to school.
✔️Correct: He has gone to school.
🔹 Confusion with Collective Nouns:
✔️ The team are arguing. (As individuals)
✔️ The family is watching TV.
✔️ The family are packing their bags.
By mastering subject-verb agreement in different tenses, you can significantly enhance your writing and speaking skills. Keep practicing these rules, and they will soon become second nature! 🚀