Subject-verb agreement is a vital aspect of grammar that plays a significant role in making your writing clear and credible. The subject refers to the person or thing that is performing the action in a sentence, while the verb describes the action itself. Correct subject-verb agreement ensures that your writing is clear, concise, and easy to understand. In this article, we will discuss the rules of subject-verb agreement with ten examples.
1. The basic rule of subject-verb agreement is that a singular subject requires a singular verb, and a plural subject requires a plural verb.
Example: The cat chases the mouse.
2. When a compound subject is connected by “and,” it requires a plural verb.
Example: The cat and the dog chase the mouse.
3. When a compound subject is connected by “or” or “nor,” the verb agrees with the subject closest to it.
Example: Neither the cat nor the dog chases the mouse.
4. If the subject is a collective noun that refers to a group of individuals, the verb may be singular or plural, depending on whether the group is acting as a single entity or as individuals.
Example: The team is practicing (when referring to the team as a unit) or The team are arguing (when referring to the individuals on the team).
5. When the subject is an indefinite pronoun (such as everyone, anyone, someone, no one), the verb is usually singular.
Example: Everyone wants to go on vacation.
6. When the subject is a relative pronoun (such as who, which, that), the verb agrees with the noun to which the pronoun refers.
Example: The books that are on the shelf are being donated.
7. In sentences that begin with here or there, the subject usually follows the verb. The verb agrees with the subject, not the word that comes before it.
Example: There is a cat on the roof.
8. When the subject is separated from the verb by words or phrases that come between them, the verb still agrees with the subject.
Example: The cat, along with the dog, chases the mouse.
9. In sentences that use one of the forms of “to be” as the main verb, the verb agrees with the subject.
Example: She is a doctor.
10. When a sentence begins with “there” or “here,” the verb that follows is singular if the subject is singular, or plural if the subject is plural.
Example: There are two cats on the roof.
Conclusion
Subject-verb agreement is an essential element of grammar that helps make your writing clear and effective. By following these ten rules, you can ensure that your sentences are grammatically correct and easy to read. Remember that practice is key to developing a good understanding of subject-verb agreement, so keep writing and editing your work until it flows smoothly and sounds professional.