Subject-verb agreement

Definition

Subject-verb agreement refers to the grammatical rule that the subject of a sentence must agree in number with its verb. This means that singular subjects take singular verbs, while plural subjects take plural verbs. Understanding this rule is essential for maintaining clarity in writing, as it helps convey the intended meaning without confusion or ambiguity.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In English, the basic rule is that a singular subject takes a singular verb form, while a plural subject takes a plural verb form.
2. Collective nouns can be tricky; when they refer to a group acting as a single unit, they take a singular verb, but when emphasizing individual members, they can take a plural verb.
3. When subjects are joined by 'and', they typically require a plural verb; however, if they are considered a single unit, a singular verb may be appropriate.
4. Intervening phrases or clauses do not affect the agreement between the subject and verb; focus on the main subject to determine the correct form.
5. Subject-verb agreement errors can lead to misunderstandings in writing, making it crucial for clear and effective communication.

Review Questions

• How does understanding subject-verb agreement contribute to clearer writing?
  • Understanding subject-verb agreement ensures that sentences are grammatically correct, which in turn enhances clarity and comprehension. When subjects and verbs agree in number, readers can easily follow the intended meaning without confusion. This clarity is especially important when conveying complex ideas or information, as it prevents misinterpretation.
• Discuss how collective nouns affect subject-verb agreement and provide examples.
  • Collective nouns can affect subject-verb agreement depending on whether they are viewed as a single unit or as individual members. For instance, 'The team wins the game' treats 'team' as one unit and requires a singular verb. Conversely, if focusing on the members individually, one might say 'The team are arguing among themselves,' where 'are' emphasizes the individual actions of team members.
• Evaluate how subject-verb agreement can influence reader perception in academic writing.
  • Subject-verb agreement significantly influences reader perception in academic writing by establishing authority and credibility. Consistent grammatical structure reassures readers that the writer possesses command over language conventions. Errors in subject-verb agreement can distract readers and diminish the perceived professionalism of the work, potentially leading to doubts about the reliability of the arguments presented. Therefore, maintaining correct subject-verb agreement is essential for effective academic communication.

Related terms

Singular Subject: A singular subject is a noun or pronoun that represents one person, place, thing, or idea.

Plural Subject: A plural subject is a noun or pronoun that represents two or more people, places, things, or ideas.

Verb Tense: Verb tense indicates the time of action or state of being expressed by the verb, affecting how the subject-verb agreement is structured.