Subject-verb agreement is an essential aspect of the English language, and it plays a crucial role in proper communication. When writing, it`s important to ensure that the subject and verb in a sentence agree in number, person, and tense. This means that the verb must match the number and person of the subject. In this article, we`ll take a closer look at subject-verb agreement and provide examples to help improve your writing.
What is Subject-Verb Agreement?
Subject-verb agreement is the term used to describe the grammatical agreement between a subject and its verb within a sentence. In simpler terms, it refers to matching the verb form with the singular or plural subject in a sentence. If the subject is singular, the verb must be singular, and if the subject is plural, the verb must be plural. Let`s take a look at some examples:
Example 1: The cat chases the mouse.
In this sentence, the subject is `cat,` which is singular, and the verb `chases` is singular as well. The subject and verb agree in number, making the sentence grammatically correct.
Example 2: The cats chase the mice.
In this sentence, the subject is `cats,` which is plural, and the verb `chase` is also plural. The subject and verb agree in number, making the sentence grammatically correct.
Rules for Subject-Verb Agreement
Now that we understand what subject-verb agreement is, let`s take a look at some of the rules that govern it.
1. Singular Subjects
If the subject of a sentence is singular, the verb form must also be singular. For example:
– The boy runs to school.
– The dog barks at the mailman.
– The book sits on the shelf.
2. Plural Subjects
If the subject of a sentence is plural, the verb form must also be plural. For example:
– The boys run to school.
– The dogs bark at the mailman.
– The books sit on the shelf.
3. Indefinite Pronouns
When using indefinite pronouns such as `everyone,` `someone,` and `anyone,` the verb should be singular. For example:
– Everyone wants to be happy.
– Someone is knocking at the door.
– Anyone can learn to speak French.
4. Collective Nouns
When using collective nouns such as `team,` `group,` and `family,` the verb should be singular if the collective noun is considered as a single entity. For example:
– The team is playing well.
– The group is going on a trip.
– My family is large.
On the other hand, when collective nouns are seen as a group of individuals, the verb should be plural. For example:
– The team are all wearing their uniforms.
– The family were arguing about what to eat.
5. Inverted Sentences
In inverted sentences, where the subject comes after the verb, the verb should still agree with the subject. For example:
– Into the room came a man and a woman.
– At the end of the street lies the park.
Conclusion
Subject-verb agreement is an essential aspect of good English writing. It helps to ensure that sentences are clear and easy to understand. By following the rules outlined in this article, you can improve your writing skills and avoid common errors in subject-verb agreement. Remember, when in doubt, always check the agreement between the subject and the verb in your sentence.
