Subject-verb agreement is a crucial rule of grammar in the English language. It refers to the agreement between the subject and the verb in a sentence concerning number (singular or plural). This agreement is vital to ensure that a sentence is grammatically correct and easy to understand. In this article, we will delve into the rules of subject-verb agreement and provide examples for each.
Rule 1: Singular subjects require singular verbs
When the subject of a sentence is singular, the verb must also be singular. For instance:
– The cat meows loudly. (The subject “cat” is singular, and the verb “meows” is also singular)
– The child eats vegetables for dinner. (The subject “child” is singular, and the verb “eats” is also singular)
Rule 2: Plural subjects require plural verbs
When there is a plural subject in a sentence, the verb must be in agreement with it. Examples of plural subjects include:
– The dogs bark at strangers. (The subject “dogs” is plural, and the verb “bark” is also plural)
– The students take notes during the lecture. (The subject “students” is plural, and the verb “take” is also plural)
Rule 3: Compound subjects require plural verbs
When there are two or more subjects connected by “and,” the verb must be plural. For example:
– The sun, moon, and stars shine brightly at night. (The compound subject “sun, moon, and stars” is plural, and the verb “shine” is also plural)
– John and Mary dance gracefully at the ball. (The compound subject “John and Mary” is plural, and the verb “dance” is also plural)
Rule 4: Indefinite pronouns require singular verbs
Indefinite pronouns are words that refer to something non-specific, like “someone,” “anyone,” “everyone,” etc. When these pronouns are used as a subject, the verb must be singular. Examples include:
– Something smells delicious in the kitchen. (The indefinite pronoun “something” is singular, and the verb “smells” is also singular)
– Everyone wants to be happy. (The indefinite pronoun “everyone” is singular, and the verb “wants” is also singular)
Rule 5: Subjects joined by “or” or “nor” require a verb that agrees with the closest subject
When two subjects are connected by “or” or “nor,” the verb must agree with the subject closest to it. For example:
– Neither the cat nor the dog is allowed on the couch. (The subject “dog” is closer to the verb “is,” so the verb is singular)
– Either the cake or the cookies are delicious. (The subject “cookies” is closer to the verb “are,” so the verb is plural)
In conclusion, subject-verb agreement is an essential rule of grammar that ensures clarity and coherence in writing. Observing these rules is crucial in producing error-free, professional documents, and publications. By following the guidelines provided above, you can improve your writing and communicate your ideas more effectively.
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