Subject–verb agreement
The person and number of the subject of the clause determine the person and number of the verb of the clause. This is called subject–verb agreement or concord: Hehates being in hospital. (third person singular subject + hates)
Not: He hate being …
We often go to Edinburgh.
Not: We often goes …
Areyou ready?
Not: Is you ready?
Theydon’t do enough art at school.
Not: They doesn’t do …
Some nouns, describing groups of people, can take a singular or plural verb: The audiencewas silent, waiting. (or The audienceweresilent …)
The government does not encourage investment in industry. (or The government do notencourage …)
See also:
Noun phrases
Verbs
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