Mastering Subject-Verb Agreement: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction: Subject-verb agreement is a cornerstone of grammar, ensuring that the verb in a sentence matches the subject in number and person. Errors in subject-verb agreement can undermine the clarity and effectiveness of your writing. In this blog post, we'll delve into various rules and examples to help you master subject-verb agreement effortlessly.

Singular Subjects and Singular Verbs:

Example: "The cat jumps over the fence." (Not "jump")

Rule: Singular subjects require singular verbs.

Plural Subjects and Plural Verbs:

Example: "The dogs bark loudly." (Not "barks")

Rule: Plural subjects demand plural verbs.

Compound Subjects:

Example: "Peanut butter and jelly are my favorite sandwich fillings." (Not "is")

Rule: With compound subjects joined by "and," use a plural verb.

Indefinite Pronouns:

Example: "Everyone wants to succeed." (Not "want")

Rule: Indefinite pronouns like "everyone," "somebody," and "each" are singular and require singular verbs.

Collective Nouns:

Example: "The team is ready for the championship." (Not "are")

Rule: Collective nouns such as "team," "family," or "committee" are singular and take singular verbs.

Subjects Separated from Verbs:

Example: "The box of chocolates is on the table." (Not "are")

Rule: The verb agrees with the subject closest to it, even if other nouns intervene.

Singular or Plural Nouns with Or/ Nor:

Example: "Neither the dog nor the cat likes the new food." (Not "like")

"Neither the dog nor the cats like the new food." (Not "likes")

Rule: The verb agrees with the subject closer to it when using "or" or "nor."

Each and Every:

Example: "Each of the students has a different perspective." (Not "have")

Rule: "Each" and "every" are singular and require singular verbs.

Titles, Names, and Expressions of Quantity:

Example: "Three cups of sugar is too much." (Not "are")

Rule: When the noun is part of a title, name, or expression of quantity, the verb usually agrees with the first noun.

Conclusion: Mastering subject-verb agreement is crucial for clear and effective communication. By adhering to these rules and practicing with the provided examples, you can strengthen your writing skills and avoid common grammatical pitfalls. Consistent application of subject-verb agreement principles will enhance the professionalism and readability of your writing. Keep honing your grammar skills, and watch your writing flourish!