Subject-verb agreement is an important aspect of grammar that impacts the clarity and correctness of your writing. It is a fundamental concept that dictates the agreement between the subject and the verb in a sentence. When the subject of a sentence is singular, the verb must also be singular, and when the subject is plural, the verb must also be plural. In this article, we will explore the rules of subject-verb agreement in grammar and provide a downloadable PDF for easy reference.
1. Basic Rule: Singular subjects require singular verbs, and plural subjects require plural verbs. For example:
Singular: “The dog barks at the mailman.”
Plural: “The dogs bark at the mailman.”
2. Compound Subjects: A compound subject is when two or more subjects are connected by “and.” The verb should be plural in this case. For example:
“The cat and the dog play in the yard.”
3. Indefinite Pronouns: Indefinite pronouns refer to an unspecified person, thing, or amount. Examples include “anyone, anything, someone, everything, nobody, nothing, etc.” When used as the subject of a sentence, they typically require a singular verb. For example:
“Everyone is invited to the party.”
4. Collective Nouns: A collective noun refers to a group of people or things, such as team, family, or flock. Depending on the meaning of the sentence, the verb can be singular or plural. For example:
“The team is proud of their accomplishments.” (singular)
“The team are arguing among themselves.” (plural)
5. Intervening Phrases: Phrases that separate the subject and verb can sometimes lead to agreement errors. For example:
“A book, as well as the pen, is on the table.” (singular)
“The pen, as well as the books, are on the table.” (plural)
By following these rules, you can ensure that your writing is clear, concise, and accurate. Download our Subject-Verb Agreement Grammar Rules PDF for easy reference and practice. Happy writing!