Subject-Verb Agreement

The verb in a sentence must match the subject. When we talk about one person or thing, we add -s to the verb.

What You'll Learn

At this level, you will learn:

• How to add -s to verbs when the subject is one person or thing
• How to pick the right verb for he, she and it

When to Use

1. One person does something: "She reads a book."
2. One animal does something: "The cat sits on the mat."
3. One thing does something: "The bell rings at noon."

How to Form

Remember: When the subject is just one (he, she, it, or one person/animal/thing), the verb gets an -s.

Key Rules

1. Add -s for one: When you talk about one person, one animal or one thing, add -s to the verb. "The bird flies."
2. No -s for I and you: "I like cake." "You like cake." These do not get -s.
3. No -s for more than one: When there are two or more, do not add -s. "The birds fly."

Common Mistakes

Clue Words

Words that tell you to add -s

he, she, it, the boy, the girl, the dog, the cat, my mother, my father, my friend

These are all one person, animal or thing.

Words that tell you NOT to add -s

I, you, we, they, the boys, the girls, the dogs

Tip: Ask yourself: "Is the subject he, she, it or just ONE person, animal or thing?" If yes, add -s to the verb! Remember, I and you never get -s.

Practice Tips

1. Point and say: Point at one thing and say a sentence. "The cup sits on the table." Check -- did you add -s?
2. One or many test: Look at the subject. Is it one? Add -s. Is it more than one? No -s.

Quick Reference