In this topic, you will learn the correct way to match the singular or plural subject with the verbs.

2.1  Singular Subjects

A singular subject takes a singular verb.     Singular subject + Singular verb

Note: Indefinite pronouns such as someone, everybody, no one, anyone are considered as singular subjects.

Examples:

That debater usually presents interesting arguments. Singular subject Singular verb

The traffic light turns red every few minutes. Singular subject Singular verb

Someone has stepped on the grass.  Singular subject Singular verb

Note: There is an addition of '-s' at the end of the verb if the subject is in the singular form. (Eg: eats, drinks, runs, reads)

2.2  Plural Subjects

A plural subject takes a plural verb.      Plural subject + Plural verb

Examples:

They regularly conduct seminars on AIDS to educate people about the disease. Plural subject Plural verb

There  are three types  of mangoes there.    Plural verb Plural subject

Danial and Henry attend Sunday school together.  Plural subject Plural verb

Note: No '-s' is added at the end of the verb if the subject is in the plural form. (Eg: eat, drink, run, read)

2.3  Linking Verbs

Linking verbs     Verbs that link the subject to the complement in a sentence.

Example:

They were at the netball court the whole day.  Subject They Linking verb were Complement at the netball court the whole day.

Three types of linking verbs     (a)  'be' verb (b) 'has' and 'have' (c) action verbs (Eg: take)

 

The tables below show you the simple present and simple past forms of linking verbs for singular and plural subjects.

 

SUBJECT	It/ He/ She Maria (Singular)
BE	is/was
HAS	has/had
DO	does/did
VERB	takes/took

 

SUBJECT	We/ They Maria and Malisa (Plural)
BE	are/were
HAS	have/had
DO	do/did
VERB	take/took

 

SUBJECT	I
BE	am/was
HAS	have/had
DO	do/did
VERB	take/took

 

SUBJECT You BE are/were HAS have/had DO do/did VERB take/took