Introduction
Subject-verb agreement is a fundamental grammatical concept that ensures harmony and clarity in our sentences. It establishes the relationship between the subject (the doer of the action) and the verb (the action or state of being) in terms of their number and person. Mastering subject-verb agreement is essential for effective communication and writing. In this blog post, we will explore the rules and provide examples to help you better understand this important aspect of grammar.
Rule of Singular and Plural Subjects:
The most basic rule of subject-verb agreement states that a singular subject requires a singular verb, while a plural subject requires a plural verb. This rule helps to maintain grammatical consistency in our sentences. Consider the following examples:
- The cat sleeps peacefully. (singular subject “cat” paired with the singular verb “sleeps”)
- The dogs bark loudly. (plural subject “dogs” paired with the plural verb “bark”)
It is important to note that when a sentence contains both singular and plural subjects joined by “and,” the verb should agree with the plural subject. For example:
- John and Mary are going to the party. (plural subjects “John” and “Mary” paired with the plural verb “are going”)
However, if the subjects are joined by “or” or “nor,” the verb should agree with the subject closest to it. For instance:
- Neither John nor Mary is going to the party. (singular subject “Mary” paired with the singular verb “is going”)
Rule of Subject-Verb Agreement with Indefinite Pronouns:
Indefinite pronouns, such as “everyone,” “nobody,” “someone,” and “everybody,” are treated as singular subjects and should be paired with singular verbs. For instance:
- Everybody enjoys a good story. (singular subject “everybody” paired with the singular verb “enjoys”)
- Someone has left their umbrella behind. (singular subject “someone” paired with the singular verb “has”)
When indefinite pronouns are used as subjects, it is important to be cautious about gender-neutral language. In cases where the gender is unknown or irrelevant, it is preferable to use singular “they” as a pronoun to maintain inclusivity and avoid the generic use of “he” or “she.”
Rule of Subject-Verb Agreement with Collective Nouns:
Collective nouns refer to a group of people, animals, or things considered as a single unit. The verb used with collective nouns can be singular or plural, depending on the context. When the collective noun represents a unit, use a singular verb. When it refers to individual members, use a plural verb. Examples:
- The team is practicing for the tournament. (singular verb “is practicing” as the team acts as a single unit)
- The jury are deliberating on the verdict. (plural verb “are deliberating” as the jury consists of individual members)
It is worth noting that some collective nouns have acquired a more common plural usage over time. For instance, “police” and “people” are often treated as plural nouns.
Rule of Subject-Verb Agreement with Compound Subjects:
When two or more subjects are joined by “and,” the verb should be plural. However, if the subjects are considered a single entity or are preceded by “each” or “every,” the verb should be singular. For example:
- Mary and John are going to the party. (plural subjects “Mary” and “John” paired with the plural verb “are going”)
- Each boy and girl has a book. (compound subjects treated as a single entity, paired with the singular verb “has”)
In certain cases, compound subjects may consist of singular nouns joined by words like “or,” “nor,” “either…or,” or “neither…nor.” The verb should agree with the subject closer to it. For instance:
- Neither the cat nor the dog is allowed on the couch. (singular subject “dog” paired with the singular verb “is allowed”)
Rule of Subject-Verb Agreement with Intervening Phrases:
Intervening phrases, such as prepositional phrases, should not affect the subject-verb agreement. The verb must agree with the subject, regardless of any intervening words or phrases. Consider the following example:
- The book, along with the pen and paper, was on the table. (singular subject “book” paired with the singular verb “was”)
It is crucial to pay attention to the subject and verb relationship, disregarding any additional information that may appear within the sentence.
Conclusion:
Mastering subject-verb agreement is crucial for effective communication and clear writing. By understanding and applying the rules of subject-verb agreement, you can ensure that your sentences are grammatically correct and convey your intended meaning accurately. Remember to pay attention to the number and person of the subject when choosing the appropriate verb form. Practice