SS.5 Pronoun-verb agreement: Choose the right subjects
What is pronoun-verb agreement?
Pronoun-verb agreement means the verb in a sentence must match the pronoun. The pronoun tells who is doing the action, and the verb must agree with it.
- I run fast.
- She runs every day.
- They play outside.
If the pronoun changes, the verb may also change to sound correct.
Singular pronouns and verbs
Singular pronouns talk about one person or one thing. Some singular pronouns need a verb that ends in -s.
- He jumps on the mat.
- She reads a book.
- It rolls down the hill.
When the pronoun is he, she, or it, the verb often ends with -s.
Pronouns that do not add -s
The pronouns I and you do not use verbs that end in -s.
- I draw a picture.
- You kick the ball.
Even though I is one person, it does not use an -s verb.
Plural pronouns and verbs
Plural pronouns talk about more than one person. Plural pronouns do not use verbs that end in -s.
- We share our toys.
- They build a tower.
If the pronoun means more than one, the verb stays in its base form.
Checking your pronoun-verb match
You can check pronoun-verb agreement by reading the sentence out loud and listening to see if it sounds right.
- She walks to school. ✔
- They walk to school. ✔
If the sentence sounds smooth and clear, the pronoun and verb most likely agree.