[Grammar] Matching the subject's number with the verb number

[salvador.dal1950]

Hello, my question regards the sentence below. I wrote it, so it could be full of mistakes. Do not panic...

When the typical citizen embarks on the task of thinking about the possible causes of this deterioration, recurrent topics appear/s: lack of education, corrupt politicians, the slothful youngsters, etc.

After doing a web search, it seems to be "appear", but I can't understand why. The numbers don't match: topics is plural, so appears must be plural as well.

Thank you! :up:

 

[bhaisahab]

The numbers don't match: topics is plural, so appears must be plural as well.

Thank you! :up:

Where did you learn that?

 

[salvador.dal1950]

You are right, I'm talking nonsense. That rule does not exist, I was thinking about the verb "to be", and this is not the case.

 

[Raymott]

You are right, I'm talking nonsense. That rule does not exist, I was thinking about the verb "to be", and this is not the case.

Verbs can't be plural. The subject and verb must agree whether the verb is "to appear" or "to be".
I am/appear
You are/appear
He, she, it appears. etc.

They appear -> Topics appear

 

[MikeNewYork]

Verbs can't be plural.

While that statement is technically correct, the use of "plural verb" or "singular verb" is extremely common.