Subject-verb agreement

Definition

Subject-verb agreement is the grammatical rule that the subject of a sentence must agree in number with its verb. This means that a singular subject requires a singular verb, while a plural subject needs a plural verb. Understanding this rule is crucial for maintaining clarity and coherence in writing, as it helps ensure that sentences convey the intended meaning without confusion or ambiguity.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. When a subject is composed of two or more nouns connected by 'and', it usually takes a plural verb, like 'The cat and dog are playing.'
2. In cases where subjects are joined by 'or' or 'nor', the verb should agree with the closest subject. For example, 'Neither the dog nor the cats are barking.'
3. Collective nouns, like 'team' or 'group,' can take either singular or plural verbs depending on whether the group is acting as a single unit or as individuals.
4. Indefinite pronouns such as 'everyone' and 'someone' are always singular and require singular verbs, like 'Everyone is invited to the party.'
5. Be mindful of interrupting phrases between the subject and the verb; they do not change the number of the subject. For instance, 'The group of students is studying,' not 'are studying.'

Review Questions

• How does understanding subject-verb agreement enhance clarity in writing?
  • Understanding subject-verb agreement enhances clarity in writing by ensuring that sentences convey their intended meaning accurately. When subjects and verbs agree in number, it reduces confusion for readers and helps to maintain a smooth flow of ideas. Misalignment between subjects and verbs can lead to misunderstandings and disrupt communication, making it vital for writers to apply this rule consistently.
• Discuss how collective nouns affect subject-verb agreement and provide examples.
  • Collective nouns can complicate subject-verb agreement because they may be treated as singular or plural based on context. When the collective noun refers to the group acting as a single unit, it takes a singular verb, such as in 'The team wins its games.' However, if individuals within the group are being emphasized, a plural verb is used, like in 'The team are arguing among themselves.' Understanding this distinction helps maintain grammatical accuracy.
• Evaluate common mistakes related to subject-verb agreement and their impact on effective communication.
  • Common mistakes in subject-verb agreement include using plural verbs with singular subjects or vice versa, often due to distractions from intervening phrases. These errors can significantly impact effective communication by obscuring meaning and causing readers to pause to decipher the correct interpretation. For example, saying 'The group of players are winning' instead of 'is winning' leads to confusion about whether the group is seen as one unit or multiple individuals. Recognizing and correcting these mistakes is essential for clear and professional writing.

Related terms

Singular Noun: A noun that refers to one person, place, thing, or idea.

Plural Noun: A noun that refers to more than one person, place, thing, or idea.

Compound Subject: A subject that consists of two or more nouns or pronouns joined by a conjunction, which collectively determine the number of the verb.