Subject-verb agreement is a fundamental aspect of English grammar that ensures that the subject and verb in a sentence agree in number. This rule may seem simple, but it can be tricky at times, leading to common mistakes in writing and speaking. Understanding the rules of subject-verb agreement is essential for clear and effective communication.
Whether you are a student, a professional writer, or simply someone who wants to improve their grammar skills, mastering subject-verb agreement is crucial. By following the rules outlined below, you can avoid common errors and enhance the clarity and coherence of your writing.
20 Rules of Subject Verb Agreement
1. Singular subjects take singular verbs, while plural subjects take plural verbs.
2. Use a singular verb with singular indefinite pronouns like “each,” “every,” “any,” and “none.”
3. When two subjects are joined by “and,” use a plural verb.
4. When the subject and verb are separated by a phrase, make sure the verb agrees with the subject, not the noun in the phrase.
5. Collective nouns can take a singular or plural verb depending on whether the group is considered as a single unit or as individuals.
6. When using “either/or” or “neither/nor,” the verb should agree with the closer subject.
7. Titles of books, movies, and other works that are singular take singular verbs.
8. Use a singular verb after “one of” when it is followed by a plural noun.
9. When a sentence starts with “there is” or “there are,” the verb agrees with the subject that follows.
10. In sentences beginning with “here” or “there,” the subject follows the verb.
11. Some nouns that are plural in form but singular in meaning take singular verbs.
12. Use a singular verb with subjects that refer to amounts, quantities, or percentages.
13. When a subject is a fraction, the verb agrees with the part of the fraction that is the subject.
14. Indefinite pronouns like “each,” “either,” and “neither” are always singular and take singular verbs.
15. When the subject is a collective noun that refers to a group acting as individuals, use a plural verb.
16. When the subject is a noun that comes after “of,” the verb agrees with the noun, not the object of the preposition.
17. Phrases like “as well as,” “along with,” and “together with” do not change the number of the subject, so the verb agrees with the first subject.
18. When a subject is a relative pronoun like “who,” “which,” or “that,” the verb agrees with the antecedent of the pronoun.
19. When the subject is a compound subject joined by “or” or “nor,” use a singular verb if the parts are singular, and a plural verb if the parts are plural.
20. When the subject is an indefinite pronoun like “all,” “some,” or “most,” the verb agrees with the noun following the pronoun.
Mastering the rules of subject-verb agreement can greatly improve your writing and communication skills. By paying attention to the number of your subjects and verbs and following these guidelines, you can ensure that your sentences are grammatically correct and clear. Practice applying these rules in your writing to become more confident in your language skills.