Subject-verb agreement is a fundamental grammar rule in the English language. It refers to the relationship between the subject and the verb in a sentence. The verb must agree in number with the subject, meaning that if the subject is singular, the verb must be singular, and if the subject is plural, the verb must be plural. Understanding and applying subject-verb agreement rules correctly is essential for writing clear and coherent sentences.
Subject-verb agreement can sometimes be tricky, especially when dealing with complex sentence structures or irregular verbs. However, by following a few simple rules, you can ensure that your writing is grammatically correct and easy to read.
Subject-Verb Agreement Rules
1. Singular subjects take singular verbs, while plural subjects take plural verbs. For example, “The dog barks” (singular subject and verb) versus “The dogs bark” (plural subject and verb).
2. When the subject is joined by “and,” use a plural verb. For instance, “John and Mary are going to the movies.” However, when the subjects are joined by “or” or “nor,” the verb should agree with the closer subject. For example, “Neither the cat nor the dog is hungry.”
3. Be mindful of collective nouns, such as “team,” “family,” or “company.” These nouns can be singular or plural, depending on whether the group is acting as a unit or as individuals. For example, “The team is practicing” (singular) versus “The team are arguing among themselves” (plural).
4. Use singular verbs with singular indefinite pronouns, such as “everyone,” “each,” “either,” “neither,” “nobody,” and “anybody.” For instance, “Nobody is perfect” or “Each of the students has a different opinion.”
5. Pay attention to sentences that begin with “there” or “here.” The subject follows the verb in these cases, so make sure the verb agrees with the subject, not the introductory word. For example, “There are many books on the shelf” or “Here comes the bus.”
In conclusion, subject-verb agreement is a crucial aspect of writing clear and coherent sentences. By following these rules and practicing regularly, you can improve your grammar skills and communicate effectively. Remember to always check for agreement between the subject and verb when writing to ensure that your sentences are grammatically correct.