Verbs agree with their subjects
in number. (singular or plural)
Problems arise when writers do
not understand the difference
between singular verb forms and
plural verb forms or between
singular nouns and plural nouns.
End in “s”
 Should be used with only singular
subjects
 Singular subjects can be substituted with
he, she, or it
 Examples of singular verb forms:
is, has, shows

Do not end in “s”
 Should be used with only plural subjects
 Plural subjects can be substituted with
the plural pronoun they
 Examples of plural verb forms:
are, have, show

Add an –s or –es to the verb when you’re
writing about a he, she, or it.
Incorrect: A politician need to be honest to get
elected.
Correct: A politician (he) needs to be honest to
get elected.

Do not add an -s or -es to the
verb when you are writing
about a they (any group of two
or more).

Incorrect: These complicated
instructions really confuses me.

Correct: These complicated
instructions (they) really
confuse me.
Incorrect: There are a number of ethnic stereotypes
that causes discrimination.
Correct: There are a number of ethnic stereotypes that
cause discrimination.
Incorrect: Much of the support that Mike has come
from his classmates.
Correct: Much of the support that Mike has comes
from his classmates.
You must distinguish between singular and plural
nouns:
Incorrect
As a woman, I am concerned about heart disease and breast
cancer being the primary killer of American women.
Correct
As a woman, I am concerned about heart disease and breast
cancer being the primary killers of American women.
Incorrect
Several guest were invited to the Legends Ball.
Correct
Several guests were invited to the Legends Ball.