What Is Subject-Verb Agreement?
What Is Subject-Verb Agreement?
When it comes to writing and speaking English, one of the most fundamental rules to follow is subject-verb agreement.
This rule helps ensure that sentences make sense and are grammatically correct. But what exactly is subject-verb agreement, and why is it so important?
In this post, we will explore the concept of subject-verb agreement in simple terms.
We will look at what it is, why it matters, and provide easy-to-understand examples and tips to help you master this important grammar rule.
What Is Subject-Verb Agreement?
Subject-verb agreement is a grammatical rule that requires the subject of a sentence to agree with the verb in terms of number.
In English, this means that a singular subject (one person or thing) needs a singular verb, while a plural subject (more than one person or thing) needs a plural verb.
Singular vs. Plural
Before we dive deeper, let’s review the difference between singular and plural:
- Singular refers to one item or person.
- Example: The cat sleeps on the bed.
- Plural refers to more than one item or person.
- Example: The cats sleep on the bed.
In these examples, “cat” is singular, and “cats” is plural. The verbs “sleeps” and “sleep” correspond to the singular and plural forms respectively.
Why Does Subject-Verb Agreement Matter?
Subject-verb agreement is essential for several reasons:
Clarity: Correct subject-verb agreement helps make your sentences clear. If the subject and verb don’t match, it can confuse your readers or listeners.
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- Incorrect: The dogs runs fast.
- Correct: The dogs run fast.
Professionalism: Good subject-verb agreement shows that you have a good grasp of grammar rules, which is important for clear communication in both written and spoken English.
Readability: Sentences that follow the rules of subject-verb agreement are easier to read and understand. Incorrect agreement can make your writing seem less polished.
More Grammar Topics:
- The Difference Between Tell, Say, Speak, Talk
- How to Use Adjective Clauses: A Comprehensive Guide
- Understanding the Difference Between Nouns & Pronouns
- “May” vs. “Might”: What’s the Difference?
- Can vs. Could: Learn the Difference
Basic Rules of Subject-Verb Agreement
To get subject-verb agreement right, you need to follow a few basic rules.
Let’s break them down:
1. Singular Subjects Take Singular Verbs
When the subject of a sentence is singular, the verb must also be singular.
- Example: She writes a letter.
- “She” is a singular subject, so “writes” is a singular verb.
2. Plural Subjects Take Plural Verbs
When the subject of a sentence is plural, the verb must also be plural.
- Example: They write letters.
- “They” is a plural subject, so “write” is a plural verb.
3. Basic Verb Forms
In the present tense, most verbs have two forms: the base form and the -s form for singular subjects.
- Singular: He talks about the project.
- Plural: They talk about the project.
4. Be Careful with Collective Nouns
Collective nouns refer to a group of people or things.
Whether you use a singular or plural verb depends on whether you are thinking of the group as one unit or as individual members.
- Group as a unit (singular): The team is winning.
- Group as individuals (plural): The team are arguing among themselves.
Common Subject-Verb Agreement Mistakes
Even native English speakers make mistakes with subject-verb agreement.
Here are some common errors and how to fix them:
1. Ignoring the Subject’s True Form
Sometimes, you might get confused by phrases or clauses that come between the subject and the verb.
In this case, “box” is the true subject, so the verb should be “is,” not “are.”
2. Confusing the Subject with Prepositional Phrases
Prepositional phrases can confuse you into thinking the subject and verb don’t agree.
Here, “list” is the subject, not “items.”
3. Mixing Up “None”
The word “none” can be singular or plural depending on what it refers to.
- Singular: None of the information is correct.
- Plural: None of the students are absent.
4. Using “Either/Or” or “Neither/Nor”
With “either/or” and “neither/nor” constructions, the verb agrees with the part of the subject closest to it.
- Example: Either the teacher or the students are responsible for the project.
- Since “students” is plural, the verb is “are.”
Tips for Mastering Subject-Verb Agreement
Here are some tips to help you get subject-verb agreement right every time:
- Identify the Subject: Find out if the subject is singular or plural.
- Match the Verb: Make sure the verb matches the subject in number.
- Watch for Prepositional Phrases: These phrases can make subjects seem plural when they are not.
- Look for Special Cases: Be aware of collective nouns and terms like “none,” “either/or,” and “neither/nor.”
- Read Carefully: Proofread your sentences to catch mistakes.
Final Thoughts:
Subject-verb agreement is a key part of English grammar that helps make your writing and speaking clear and correct.
By understanding the basic rules and practicing with examples, you can improve your grammar skills and avoid common mistakes.
Remember, singular subjects take singular verbs, and plural subjects take plural verbs.
Pay attention to special cases and practice regularly to become more confident in your grammar abilities.
I hope this blog post has made subject-verb agreement a little easier to understand.
Happy writing!
Additional Resources
If you want to learn more about subject-verb agreement, here are some resources you might find helpful:
Feel free to use these resources to get even more practice and improve your understanding of subject-verb agreement!
