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 …)