Subject-Verb Agreement Explained

Key Concepts

• Subject-Verb Agreement
• Singular Subjects
• Plural Subjects
• Indefinite Pronouns
• Compound Subjects
• Collective Nouns

Subject-Verb Agreement

Subject-verb agreement refers to the grammatical rule that requires the subject and verb in a sentence to agree in number. This means that a singular subject requires a singular verb, and a plural subject requires a plural verb.

Singular Subjects

Singular subjects are individual nouns or pronouns that refer to one person, place, thing, or idea. When a singular subject is used, the verb must also be singular.

Example: "The cat sleeps on the mat."

Plural Subjects

Plural subjects are nouns or pronouns that refer to more than one person, place, thing, or idea. When a plural subject is used, the verb must also be plural.

Example: "The cats sleep on the mat."

Indefinite Pronouns

Indefinite pronouns are words that refer to nonspecific people or things. Some indefinite pronouns are always singular, while others can be singular or plural depending on the context.

Example: "Everyone has their own opinion." (Singular)

Example: "Many are called, but few are chosen." (Plural)

Compound Subjects

Compound subjects are formed when two or more subjects are joined by a conjunction (such as "and"). When compound subjects are joined by "and," the verb is usually plural.

Example: "The teacher and the students are going on a field trip."

However, if the subjects are considered a single unit, the verb is singular.

Example: "Bread and butter is my favorite breakfast."

Collective Nouns

Collective nouns refer to groups of people or things as a single unit. They can take either a singular or plural verb depending on whether the group is acting as a single unit or as individual members.

Example: "The team is playing well." (Singular, acting as a unit)

Example: "The team are arguing among themselves." (Plural, acting as individuals)

Examples and Analogies

Think of subject-verb agreement as a dance partner. Just as a dance partner must match their steps to the rhythm, the subject and verb must match in number to create a harmonious sentence. If the subject is singular, the verb must be its singular partner, and if the subject is plural, the verb must be its plural partner.

Insightful Content

Mastering subject-verb agreement is essential for clear and effective communication. By understanding the relationship between subjects and verbs, you can avoid common grammatical errors and ensure that your sentences are both grammatically correct and easy to understand. This skill not only enhances your writing but also improves your overall language proficiency.