Subject-Verb Agreement Rules in English: Simplified and Explained
Subject-verb agreement is an essential aspect of English grammar that ensures the coherence and clarity of our sentences. It is crucial to understand and apply these rules correctly to communicate effectively in written and spoken English. In this article, we will simplify and explain the subject-verb agreement rules to help you master this aspect of grammar.
The basic rule of subject-verb agreement is that a singular subject requires a singular verb, while a plural subject requires a plural verb. For example, « The cat runs » (singular subject, singular verb) and « The cats run » (plural subject, plural verb).
However, there are a few exceptions and tricky situations that often confuse English learners. Let’s explore them:
A) Indefinite pronouns: Singular indefinite pronouns such as « everyone » or « somebody » require singular verbs. For instance, « Everyone is here. » On the other hand, plural indefinite pronouns like « both » or « few » take plural verbs, as in « Both are attending the party. »
B) Collective nouns: Collective nouns refer to a group of individuals, but they can be singular or plural depending on the context. When the emphasis is on the group as a whole, use a singular verb, as in « The team is winning. » However, when the focus is on the individuals within the group, a plural verb is used, as in « The team are wearing different medals. »
C) Agreement with intervening words: When words like « along with, » « as well as, » or « in addition to » are used to connect subjects, the verb agrees with the closest subject. For example, « The book, along with the pen, is on the table. »
D) Agreement in special cases: Some nouns, despite being plural in form, are treated as singular subjects. Examples include mathematics, physics, and news. For instance, « Mathematics is my favorite subject. »
Remember that compound subjects joined by « and » usually take plural verbs, while compound subjects joined by « or » or « nor » take a verb that agrees with the closest subject.
By understanding and applying these subject-verb agreement rules, you can enhance your writing and speaking skills in English. Practice identifying the subject and its corresponding verb in different sentence structures to reinforce your understanding. With time and practice, subject-verb agreement will become second nature, allowing you to express yourself fluently and accurately in English.