Basic Rules in Subject Verb Agreement

As a professional, I know how important it is for a writer to demonstrate proper subject-verb agreement. Subject-verb agreement refers to the correct use of verbs to match the subject in a sentence. This basic rule of grammar ensures that sentences are clear and easy to understand. In this article, we will discuss some of the basic rules in subject-verb agreement.

1. Singular subjects take singular verbs, and plural subjects take plural verbs.

This is the most basic rule in subject-verb agreement. A singular subject requires a singular verb form, while a plural subject requires a plural verb form. For example:

Correct: The dog barks loudly. (singular subject and verb)

Correct: The dogs bark loudly. (plural subject and verb)

2. Compound subjects take a plural verb.

A compound subject is made up of two or more nouns that are joined by a conjunction. When the nouns in a compound subject are joined by “and,” the verb that follows should be plural. For example:

Correct: Tom and Jerry are playing basketball. (plural subject and verb)

3. Subjects connected by “or” or “nor” require a verb that agrees with the closest noun.

When the subjects are connected by “or” or “nor,” the verb should agree with the closest noun. For example:

Correct: Neither the teacher nor the students were happy with the test. (plural subject and verb)

4. Indefinite pronouns take a singular or plural verb, depending on the context.

Indefinite pronouns do not refer to a specific person, place, or thing, but rather to a general or unclear concept. The verb that follows an indefinite pronoun should agree in number with the noun it refers to. For example:

Correct: Everyone has their own preferences. (singular verb)

Correct: Some of the students like pizza. (plural verb)

5. Collective nouns can be either singular or plural, depending on the context.

A collective noun refers to a group of people, animals, or things. The verb that follows a collective noun should be singular if the group is considered as a whole, and plural if the individuals in the group are emphasized. For example:

Correct: The team is playing well this season. (singular verb)

Correct: The team are wearing their new uniforms. (plural verb)

In conclusion, subject-verb agreement is an essential part of writing clear and grammatically correct sentences. The rules may seem challenging at first, but with practice, they will become natural. Following these basic rules will ensure your writing is effective and easy to understand for your readers.