Subject-verb agreement

Definition

Subject-verb agreement refers to the grammatical rule that the subject of a sentence must match its verb in number (singular or plural). This fundamental concept ensures clarity in writing, as it helps the reader understand who or what is performing the action. Proper subject-verb agreement is essential for effective communication, making it a critical element in both editing and crafting sentences correctly.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Subject-verb agreement rules state that a singular subject requires a singular verb, while a plural subject requires a plural verb.
2. In sentences with compound subjects joined by 'and', the subject is usually considered plural, requiring a plural verb.
3. When using 'or' or 'nor' to connect subjects, the verb agrees with the nearest subject.
4. Collective nouns can be tricky; if acting as a single unit, they take a singular verb, but if individuals within the group are emphasized, a plural verb may be used.
5. Certain phrases and words like 'each,' 'everyone,' and 'nobody' are singular and require singular verbs, regardless of what follows them.

Review Questions

• How does understanding subject-verb agreement help improve your writing clarity?
  • Understanding subject-verb agreement is crucial for writing clarity because it ensures that sentences convey the correct meaning. When subjects and verbs agree in number, readers can easily identify who is performing the action without confusion. This clear relationship between the subject and verb enhances readability and comprehension, making it easier for the audience to engage with the text.
• Discuss how collective nouns can affect subject-verb agreement and provide examples.
  • Collective nouns can complicate subject-verb agreement because they can be treated as either singular or plural depending on context. For example, 'The team wins' treats 'team' as a single entity and requires a singular verb. In contrast, 'The team are arguing among themselves' emphasizes individual members of the team and thus uses a plural verb. Knowing how to navigate these nuances is important for maintaining grammatical accuracy.
• Evaluate the impact of incorrect subject-verb agreement on the overall effectiveness of communication.
  • Incorrect subject-verb agreement can significantly undermine the effectiveness of communication by creating confusion about who is involved in an action. It distracts readers and may lead to misinterpretation of the intended message. For example, saying 'The group are meeting' may mislead readers about whether you are referring to the group as a single unit or its individual members. Therefore, maintaining proper subject-verb agreement is essential for ensuring that writing remains clear and professional.

Related terms

Singular: A form that denotes one person, thing, or idea, often requiring a singular verb in agreement.

Plural: A form that denotes more than one person, thing, or idea, typically requiring a plural verb in agreement.

Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement: The grammatical rule that a pronoun must agree in number and gender with its antecedent, similar to subject-verb agreement.