Find the subject. Fix the verb.
Find the subject before choosing the verb
The nearest noun is not always the subject. Learn to find the word that controls the verb in standard written English.
Don’t let “pencils” fool you.
- Find the main subject: box.
- Set aside of pencils; it describes the box.
- Box is singular, so choose is.
- The box of pencils is on the desk.
The box of pencils is on the desk. The subject's main noun is box, not pencils. The phrase of pencils tells us about the box; it does not make the subject plural.
Change the subject, not the nearby noun: The boxes of pencils are on the desk.
Keep one clear rule
In the simple present, a third-person singular subject usually takes a verb ending in -s or -es: she reads; the boy watches. Plural subjects take the base form: they read; the boys watch. I and you also take the base form. Be is special: I am, she is, they are.
A useful exam pattern
Each of the students has a notebook. In this construction, each is singular even though students is plural.
This first lesson covers these patterns, not every agreement rule.
Five original practice checks
- Choose the correct present-tense verb: The bag of books ___ heavy.
Show answer
Correct answer: A
Bag is singular. Of books describes the bag, so use is.
- Choose the correct present-tense verb: The keys to the cupboard ___ on the table.
Show answer
Correct answer: B
Keys is plural; cupboard is inside a describing phrase. Use are.
- Complete this simple-present habit: My sister ___ to work every day.
Show answer
Correct answer: B
My sister is third-person singular, so walk becomes walks.
- Choose the correct present-tense verb: Each of the players ___ a water bottle.
Show answer
Correct answer: B
Each is the singular head of the subject. Use has, not have.
- Complete this simple-present habit: My friends ___ English after dinner.
Show answer
Correct answer: A
Friends is plural, so use the base form practise. This lesson uses British English spelling.
Sign in to keep your progress. Sign in