Master English Agreement Rules
Grammar isn't just about rules; it's about clarity. This guide breaks down the 7 essential agreement rules of English with interactive examples to make learning intuitive and effective. Explore how words must align to create clear, powerful sentences.
1. Noun-Determiner Agreement
Determiners (`a`, `the`, `my`, `some`) signal that a noun is coming. They must agree with the noun in **countability** and **specificity**. Use this interactive tool to find the right determiner.
Determiner Decision Flow
Step 1: Is the noun specific? (Does the listener know exactly which one?)
Step 2: Is the noun countable?
Step 3: Is the countable noun singular or plural?
Recommendation
Focus Area: Common Agreement Errors
Based on typical learner patterns, some agreement rules are more challenging than others. This chart highlights areas that often require extra attention.
2. Subject-Verb Agreement
A core principle: the subject and verb must agree in number. Singular subjects take singular verbs, and plural subjects take plural verbs. This can get tricky with intervening phrases or collective nouns.
Intervening Phrases
The verb must agree with the true subject, not a noun in a phrase that comes between them.
The box of old toys is in the attic.
Subject: "box" (singular) -> Verb: "is" (singular)
Collective Nouns
A collective noun (team, family, committee) is singular when it acts as one unit.
The team celebrates its victory.
Subject: "team" (singular unit) -> Verb: "celebrates" (singular)
3. Verb Tense Agreement
Choosing the correct tense depends on the context of time. Let's compare two frequently confused pairs.
Simple Past vs. Present Perfect
Simple past is for a finished action at a specific past time. Present perfect is for an action at an *unspecified* past time or one that continues to the present.
Simple Past (Finished Action)
I visited Paris in 2019.
Present Perfect (Unspecified/Ongoing)
I have visited Paris before.
Simple Past vs. Past Perfect
Use past perfect for an action that happened *before* another past action. Use simple past for the more recent action.
The train had already left
when I arrived at the station.
1st Past Action: train left (Past Perfect)
2nd Past Action: I arrived (Simple Past)
4. Modifier Agreement
Modifiers (describing phrases) must be placed next to the word they describe. Misplacing them can create confusing or unintentionally humorous sentences.
Fix the Misplaced Modifier
Misleading Sentence: "I saw a dog walking down the street with a long tail."
Drag the phrases into the correct order to make the sentence clear.