Subject-verb agreement is a crucial aspect of English grammar that ensures that the subject and verb in a sentence agree in number. This agreement is essential for clear and effective communication. Understanding the rules of subject-verb agreement can help you improve your writing and speaking skills.
In English grammar, the subject and verb must agree in number. This means that a singular subject requires a singular verb, and a plural subject requires a plural verb. To ensure proper subject-verb agreement, it is important to follow specific rules. Here are 13 rules to help you master subject-verb agreement:
13 Rules of Subject Verb Agreement
1. Singular subjects require singular verbs, while plural subjects require plural verbs. For example, “The dog barks” (singular subject) and “The dogs bark” (plural subject).
2. Compound subjects connected by “and” usually take a plural verb. For example, “Tom and Jerry are friends.”
3. When the subject follows the verb, be careful to match the verb with the subject, not the noun after the verb. For example, “The book on the table is mine.”
4. Indefinite pronouns like “everyone,” “somebody,” and “anybody” are singular and require singular verbs. For example, “Everyone is invited to the party.”
5. Collective nouns can be singular or plural depending on the context. For example, “The team is winning” (singular) and “The team are arguing” (plural).
Understanding these rules can help you avoid common errors in subject-verb agreement and improve the clarity of your writing. Practice applying these rules in your writing and speaking to enhance your communication skills.
Subject-verb agreement is a fundamental aspect of English grammar that plays a crucial role in effective communication. By mastering the rules of subject-verb agreement, you can enhance your writing and speaking skills and ensure that your messages are clear and coherent.