Subject-verb agreement is a crucial aspect of writing that can significantly affect the clarity and credibility of your content. It is the grammatical rule that governs the relationship between the subject and the verb in a sentence. When the subject of a sentence is singular, the verb must also be singular, and when the subject is plural, the verb must be plural as well. In this article, we will explore all examples of subject-verb agreement to help you improve your writing skills.
Singular subject and singular verb agreement
When the subject of a sentence is singular, the verb must also be singular. Here are some examples of singular subject and singular verb agreement:
1. She sings beautifully.
2. The book is interesting.
3. The dog barks loudly.
Plural subject and plural verb agreement
When the subject of a sentence is plural, the verb must also be plural. Here are some examples of plural subject and plural verb agreement:
1. They sing beautifully.
2. The books are interesting.
3. The dogs bark loudly.
Collective nouns
Collective nouns refer to a group of people or things that are considered as a single entity. When they are used as the subject of a sentence, the verb can be either singular or plural, depending on the context. Here are some examples:
1. The team is playing well. (singular verb)
2. The team are wearing their new jerseys. (plural verb)
3. The committee has made its decision. (singular verb)
4. The committee are divided in their opinion. (plural verb)
Indefinite pronouns
Indefinite pronouns refer to people or things that are not specifically identified. When they are used as the subject of a sentence, the verb must agree with the pronoun`s number. Here are some examples:
1. Someone has left their jacket here. (singular verb)
2. All of the books are on the table. (plural verb)
3. Either of the choices is fine. (singular verb)
4. Neither of the options are suitable. (plural verb)
Compound subjects
Compound subjects refer to two or more subjects joined together by conjunctions like “and” or “or.” When compound subjects are used, the verb must agree with the plurality of the subjects. Here are some examples:
1. Tom and Jerry are playing outside. (plural verb)
2. My brother or his friends are coming to the party. (plural verb)
3. Either the dog or the cat is making noise. (singular verb)
4. Neither the sun nor the moon shines at night. (singular verb)
In conclusion, subject-verb agreement is a vital aspect of writing that can significantly improve the quality of your content. By following the grammatical rules, you can ensure that your writing is clear, concise, and easy to read. Remember to double-check your subject-verb agreement when editing your work to ensure that your content is flawless.
