Proper grammar usage is key to effective communication. One crucial aspect of grammar is subject and verb agreement. Subject and verb agreement means that the subject and verb in a sentence must agree in number and person. This means that a singular subject requires a singular verb, while a plural subject requires a plural verb. Here are 20 important rules of subject and verb agreement with examples:
1. Rule: A singular subject takes a singular verb.
Example: The boy runs every morning.
2. Rule: A plural subject takes a plural verb.
Example: The boys run every morning.
3. Rule: A compound subject joined by „and“ takes a plural verb.
Example: The boy and the girl are playing outside.
4. Rule: A singular subject joined by „or“ or „nor“ takes a singular verb.
Example: Either the dog or the cat is causing the mess.
5. Rule: When subjects are separated by a prepositional phrase, the verb agrees with the subject closest to it.
Example: The girl, along with her friends, is going to the park.
6. Rule: Collective nouns, such as team, family, and group, can take a singular or a plural verb depending on the context.
Example: The team is practicing for the game. (singular verb)
The team are arguing over who gets the last slice of pizza. (plural verb)
7. Rule: Indefinite pronouns, such as anyone, everyone, and nobody, take a singular verb.
Example: Everyone is invited to the party.
8. Rule: When using „there“ or „here“ as the subject, the verb agrees with the following noun.
Example: There are three apples on the table.
9. Rule: Expressions of time, money, and measurement are treated as singular subjects.
Example: Two hundred dollars is a lot of money.
10. Rule: Titles of books, movies, and songs take a singular verb.
Example: „To Kill a Mockingbird“ is a classic novel.
11. Rule: Fractions and percentages take a singular verb when used as a single entity.
Example: One-third of the cake is missing.
50% of the population agrees with the proposal.
12. Rule: Titles of groups, such as government agencies, political parties, and organizations, take a singular verb.
Example: The Federal Bureau of Investigation is investigating the crime.
13. Rule: With words that come between the subject and verb, the verb agrees with the subject.
Example: The boy, as well as his sisters, enjoys reading.
14. Rule: When the subject is an adjective or a participle phrase, the verb agrees with the subject that it is describing.
Example: The broken vase was left on the floor.
15. Rule: When using „one of the“ followed by a plural noun, the verb agrees with the noun.
Example: One of the students is absent today.
16. Rule: Inverted sentences, ones that start with a prepositional phrase or a negative word, take a singular verb.
Example: Under the tree is a picnic blanket.
17. Rule: Subjects that refer to a single entity but are treated as plural take a plural verb.
Example: The United States are divided politically.
18. Rule: When using „none,“ the verb can be either singular or plural depending on the context.
Example: None of the books have been returned. (plural verb)
None of the book has been returned. (singular verb)
19. Rule: The word „who“ takes a singular or a plural verb depending on whether the person or the group is being referred to.
Example: The woman who owns the store is friendly. (singular verb)
The people who work at the store are friendly. (plural verb)
20. Rule: When using „each“ or „every,“ the verb is singular.
Example: Every student needs to bring their own pen.
In conclusion, understanding subject and verb agreement is essential for clear and effective communication. By following these 20 rules, you can avoid grammatical errors and convey your meaning accurately.
