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 a singular subject takes a singular verb, while a plural subject takes a plural verb. Maintaining proper subject-verb agreement is essential for clarity and concision in writing, as it helps readers easily understand the relationships between different parts of a sentence.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In sentences with compound subjects connected by 'and,' the verb should be plural, as in 'The dog and the cat are playing.'
2. When a compound subject is joined by 'or' or 'nor,' the verb agrees with the closest subject, as in 'Neither the teacher nor the students were prepared.'
3. Indefinite pronouns like 'everyone' and 'each' are considered singular, requiring singular verbs, as in 'Everyone is here.'
4. Collective nouns can be tricky; they may take either singular or plural verbs depending on whether the group acts as one unit or as individuals, like 'The team is winning' vs. 'The team are arguing among themselves.'
5. In cases where the subject is separated from the verb by phrases or clauses, it's important to identify the true subject to ensure correct agreement.

Review Questions

• How does subject-verb agreement contribute to the clarity of writing?
  • Subject-verb agreement contributes to writing clarity by ensuring that readers can easily identify who or what is performing the action in a sentence. When subjects and verbs match in number, it reduces confusion and helps convey the intended message more effectively. For example, mismatched subjects and verbs can lead to misunderstandings about who is involved in an action or event, which could distract readers from the main point.
• What are some common errors writers make regarding subject-verb agreement, and how can these be avoided?
  • Common errors include failing to recognize compound subjects connected by 'and,' using singular verbs with plural subjects, and misjudging collective nouns. Writers can avoid these mistakes by carefully identifying the true subject of each sentence, ensuring they understand how compound subjects interact with verbs, and considering context when dealing with collective nouns. Proofreading sentences aloud can also help catch these errors before finalizing their work.
• Evaluate how understanding subject-verb agreement can enhance overall writing skills and improve communication.
  • Understanding subject-verb agreement is fundamental to developing strong writing skills because it lays the groundwork for grammatical accuracy. Writers who grasp this concept are better equipped to construct clear and concise sentences that effectively communicate their ideas. This understanding not only improves the quality of individual sentences but also contributes to better coherence and flow throughout their work, ultimately leading to more persuasive and impactful communication.

Related terms

Singular: A grammatical term referring to one person, thing, or concept.

Plural: A grammatical term referring to more than one person, thing, or concept.

Agreement rules: The specific grammatical guidelines that dictate how subjects and verbs must correspond in number and sometimes in person.