How to Use Subject-Verb Agreement in the Present Tense

Subject-verb agreement is an important part of English that helps your sentences make sense. Let’s break down how to use it in the present tense. We’ll also look at how to ask questions, use regular verbs in the past, form negative sentences, and connect ideas with conjunctions.

Key Grammar Points

1. Subject-Verb Agreement in Present Tense

In English, the subject (the doer of the action) and the verb (the action) must match in number. This means they have to agree in whether they are singular (one) or plural (more than one). Here’s how it works:

• Singular Subjects: Use a singular verb.

  • Example: She reads a book.

• Plural Subjects: Use a plural verb.

  • Example: They read books.

• First Person (I/We):

  • I eat an apple.
  • We eat apples.

• Second Person (You):

  • You play football.

• Third Person (He/She/It):

  • He runs fast.
  • The cat sleeps on the sofa.

Note: For third-person singular subjects (he, she, it), we add an "-s" or "-es" to the verb.

Examples:

• He works at a bank.
• She goes to school.
• The dog barks loudly.

2. Asking Questions with Basic Interrogative Forms

Interrogative forms help you ask questions. Here are some basic words to use:

• Who: Refers to a person.

  • Example: Who is your teacher?

• What: Refers to things.

  • Example: What do you like to do?

• Where: Refers to places.

  • Example: Where does she live?

• When: Refers to time.

  • Example: When does the train arrive?

• Why: Refers to reasons.

  • Example: Why do we need to study?

• How: Refers to the way something is done.

  • Example: How do you make pizza?

3. Conjugating Regular Verbs in the Simple Past Tense

When you talk about things that happened in the past, regular verbs usually end with "-ed."

• Example:
  • Present: I play soccer.
  • Past: I played soccer.

Regular Verb Examples:

• Walk → Walked
• Talk → Talked
• Visit → Visited

4. Making Negative Sentences in Present and Past Tenses

To make negative sentences, we say "do not" (or "don’t") for present tense and "did not" (or "didn’t") for past tense.

• Present Negative:

  • I do not like spinach.
  • He does not play the guitar.

• Past Negative:

  • I did not like the movie.
  • They did not finish their homework.

5. Connecting Ideas with Conjunctions (and, but, or)

Conjunctions are words that connect ideas:

• And: To add information.

  • Example: I like reading and writing.

• But: To show a difference.

  • Example: She likes cats, but he prefers dogs.

• Or: To show choices.

  • Example: Would you like coffee or tea?

Conclusion

Understanding subject-verb agreement in the present tense is important for clear communication in English. By practicing the examples here, you can get better at your grammar. Remember to use the basic question words for asking, change regular verbs to the past tense correctly, create negative sentences, and connect your ideas with conjunctions. Keep practicing, and you will feel more confident in your English conversations!