Subject-Verb Agreement
Understanding Subject-Verb Agreement in English Grammar
Subject-verb agreement is a fundamental aspect of English grammar that ensures clarity and coherence in writing and speaking. This rule stipulates that the subject and the verb in a sentence must agree in number (singular or plural). Proper agreement helps maintain grammatical accuracy and conveys the intended meaning effectively.
1. Basic Rules of Subject-Verb Agreement
The primary rule of subject-verb agreement is straightforward: a singular subject takes a singular verb, and a plural subject takes a plural verb. This principle is essential for creating grammatically correct sentences.
| Subject | Singular Verb | Plural Verb |
|---|---|---|
| The cat | The cat runs fast. | The cats run fast. |
| The child | The child plays outside. | The children play outside. |
| The book | The book is on the table. | The books are on the table. |
Consider these examples:
- Singular: "The teacher teaches the class." (Here, 'teacher' is singular, so 'teaches' is used.)
- Plural: "The teachers teach the class." (Here, 'teachers' is plural, so 'teach' is used.)
2. Compound Subjects
When a sentence has a compound subject (two or more subjects joined by "and"), the verb should be plural:
- Example: "Tom and Jerry are friends." (Here, 'Tom and Jerry' is a compound subject, so 'are' is used.)
However, if the compound subject is joined by "or" or "nor," the verb should agree with the nearer subject:
- Example: "Neither the manager nor the employees are aware of the changes." (Here, 'employees' is nearer to 'are,' so 'are' is used.)
3. Indefinite Pronouns
Indefinite pronouns can be tricky because they do not refer to a specific noun. Some indefinite pronouns are always singular, while others are always plural:
| Indefinite Pronoun | Singular Verb | Plural Verb |
|---|---|---|
| Everyone | Everyone is invited. | N/A |
| Somebody | Somebody has left their umbrella. | N/A |
| Both | N/A | Both are coming to the party. |
| Several | N/A | Several have expressed interest. |
Examples include:
- Singular: "Everyone enjoys a good movie." (Here, 'everyone' is singular, so 'enjoys' is used.)
- Plural: "Both are attending the conference." (Here, 'both' is plural, so 'are' is used.)
4. Special Cases and Exceptions
There are some exceptions to the general rules of subject-verb agreement:
- Collective Nouns: When a collective noun (e.g., team, committee) acts as a single unit, it takes a singular verb. For example, "The team is winning." If the members act individually, a plural verb is used: "The team are arguing among themselves."
- Amounts and Quantities: When the subject refers to a quantity or amount, it usually takes a singular verb if considered as a unit. For example, "Five dollars is a lot of money." However, when the focus is on the items, a plural verb may be used: "Ten miles are a long distance."
- Titles and Names: Titles and names of books, movies, and organizations usually take a singular verb, even if they refer to more than one person. For example, "The Beatles was a famous band."
5. Conclusion
Understanding and applying subject-verb agreement rules is crucial for producing clear and grammatically accurate sentences. By following these guidelines and paying attention to special cases, one can ensure proper agreement and improve overall writing quality.