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Relaxed duck presenting the title "Subject-Verb Agreement: Common Mistakes and Easy Fixes"

In the world of Primary English composition, using sophisticated vocabulary is like adding spices to a dish, but grammar is the recipe itself. If your Subject-Verb Agreement (SVA) is incorrect, the whole essay feels “off” to an examiner.

Whether you are just starting in English enrichment for Primary 1 or you are refining your skills in Primary 6 English tuition, understanding SVA is a non-negotiable skill. At WRITERS AT WORK, we teach students that SVA is simply a “matching game.” If the subject is singular, the verb must be singular. If the subject is plural, the verb must be plural.

What Is Subject-Verb Agreement and Why Does It Matter?

Subject-Verb Agreement is the rule that a subject and its verb must “agree” in number.

  • Action Formula: Singular Subject = Singular Verb (usually ends in -s) | Plural Subject = Plural Verb (no -s).
  • Why it matters: SVA errors are the most common reason students lose marks in the Grammar MCQ and Editing sections of the O-Level and PSLE papers. Consistent SVA shows the examiner that you have a “mature command” of the language, which is essential for scoring in the top bands.

Common Subject-Verb Agreement Mistakes & Rules

Angry duck presenting the title "Rules"

1. The Basic Switch: Singular vs. Plural

  • The Trap: Confusing the “s” at the end of nouns with the “s” at the end of verbs.
  • The Rule: A singular subject (He, She, It) needs a verb with an “s” (walks, eats). A plural subject (They, We) needs a verb without an “s” (walk, eat).
  • Fix: Always identify the “doer” first. If there is only one, add the “s” to the action!

2. Subjects Joined by "And"

  • The Rule: When two subjects are joined by “and,” they become a plural unit.
  • Action Formula: Subject A + Subject B = Plural Verb.
  • Example: “Ben and Jerry are (not is) best friends.”

3. The "Neighbor Rule": Subjects Joined by "Or" or "Nor"

  • The Trap: Students often see two names and assume it’s plural.
  • The Rule: The verb agrees with the subject closest to it.
  • Example: “Neither the teacher nor the students want to leave.” (Students is closer, so use “want”).

4. Indefinite Pronouns: Everyone, Somebody, Each

  • The Trap: These words feel plural because they refer to many people.
  • The Rule: Words ending in -one, -body, or -thing (and the word “Each”) are always singular.
  • Example: “Each of the students has (not have) a laptop.”

5. Tricky Nouns: Mathematics vs. Family

  • The Rule (Static Nouns): Words like news, mathematics, and athletics look plural because of the “s,” but they are singular subjects.
  • The Rule (Collective Nouns): Words like team, family, and audience are treated as one single unit.
  • Example: “The news is (not are) shocking.” | “My family enjoys (not enjoy) hiking.”

6. The "Intervening Phrase" Trap

  • The Trap: Examiners hide the subject behind phrases like “as well as,” “along with,” or “including.”
  • The Rule: Ignore everything between the subject and the verb!
  • Example: “The Principal, along with all the teachers, is (not are) attending the meeting.”

Practice Questions: Test Your Skills!

Excited duck presenting the title "Pop quiz!"

Try these questions frequently used in Primary 4 English tuition and Primary 5 English tuition to see if you can spot the traps.

  1. Each of the participants ( receive / receives ) a certificate after the talk.
  2. The captain, as well as his crew members, ( was / were ) praised for their bravery.
  3. Neither the apples nor the durian ( smells / smell ) good to me.
  4. Mathematics ( is / are ) my favorite subject in school.
  5. Either my sisters or my mother ( is / are ) going to the market later.

Answer Key and Explanations

  1. receives: “Each” is always singular.
  2. was: Ignore “as well as his crew members.” The subject is the singular “captain.”
  3. smells: “Durian” is the closest subject to the verb and is singular.
  4. is: “Mathematics” is a singular academic subject.
  5. is: “Mother” is the closest subject to the verb and is singular.

Level Up Your Writing with WRITERS AT WORK

Happy WRITERS AT WORK students in the classroom.

Grammar is the foundation of every great story. At WRITERS AT WORK, we believe that mastering these rules shouldn’t be a chore. It should be a “Thinking Framework” that gives you confidence. Whether you are seeking the Best English Tuition in Singapore or specifically looking for a Primary 6 English tuition specialist, we are here to help your child excel.

Ready to secure that A1? Start by Understanding the New PSLE Scoring System or check out our guide on Understanding PSLE English Oral 2025 Changes. For even more practical help, don’t miss our Powerful PSLE Oral Tips for Acing Your Exam.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. My child understands the rules but still makes "careless" SVA errors. Why?

This is common! Under exam pressure, the brain focuses on the “closest” word. We teach a “Pencil Point” technique where students must physically point to the subject and the verb to check if they match before moving on.

Q2. Are there any exceptions to the "And" rule?

Yes! If two things are traditionally eaten or used together as one dish (like “Fish and Chips” or “Bread and Butter”), they are treated as singular. “Fish and chips is my favorite meal.”

Q3. How do I handle nouns like "Scissors" or "Trousers"?

These are always plural because they have two parts. However, if you say “A pair of scissors,” the subject becomes “pair” (singular), so you would use “is.”

Q4. Does SVA apply to past tense verbs?

Only for the verb “to be” (was/were). For most other verbs (e.g., ran, ate, walked), the form stays the same regardless of whether the subject is singular or plural!

Agnes Ng
Article Written By

Agnes Ng

Agnes Ng, Co-Founder and Teaching & Curriculum Director of WRITERS AT WORK. An NUS Honours graduate and published author with over 30 years of experience, Agnes has been the architect of the organization’s student-centric curricula since 2012.

Dedicated to teacher mentorship and academic excellence, she has guided hundreds of students to achieve outstanding results. Her expertise and commitment to high-quality education remain the cornerstone of WRITERS AT WORK’s success in empowering every learner.

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