Subject-verb agreement is an essential rule of grammar that every writer or editor should be familiar with. In simple terms, it means that the subject and the verb in a sentence should agree in number and person. That is, a singular subject should have a singular verb, while a plural subject should have a plural verb. In this article, we will discuss the meaning of subject-verb agreement in detail and provide some examples to help you understand it better.
What is Subject-Verb Agreement?
Subject-verb agreement is a grammatical rule that governs the agreement between the subject and the verb in a sentence. The subject is the person, thing, or idea that the sentence is about, while the verb is the action or state of being expressed in the sentence. The agreement between the subject and the verb is based on the number (singular or plural) and person (first, second, or third) of the subject.
Why is it important?
Subject-verb agreement is important because it helps to make sentences clear and easy to understand. When the subject and the verb do not agree, it can lead to confusion and misunderstandings. Moreover, incorrect subject-verb agreement can affect the credibility of a writer or editor, especially when writing for businesses or academic purposes. Thus, mastering the rules of subject-verb agreement is critical to effective writing and communication.
Examples of subject-verb agreement
Singular subject with a singular verb:
– The book is on the table.
– The boy walks to school.
– The movie seems interesting.
Plural subject with a plural verb:
– The children play in the park.
– The dogs bark loudly.
– The books are on the shelf.
Subject-verb agreement with compound subjects:
When a sentence has a compound subject (two or more subjects connected by “and”), the verb should be plural.
– Tom and Jerry play basketball.
– Sarah and Maria are sisters.
– The cat and the dog chase each other.
Subject-verb agreement with collective nouns:
A collective noun (a group of people or things) can be singular or plural, depending on the context. If the group is seen as a single entity, use a singular verb. If the group is seen as individuals, use a plural verb.
– The team wins the match. (singular verb)
– The team members celebrate their victory. (plural verb)
– The audience applauds the performance. (singular verb)
– The audience members leave the theater. (plural verb)
Conclusion
Subject-verb agreement is a grammatical rule that is essential for effective writing and communication. It ensures that sentences are clear and easy to understand by avoiding confusion and misunderstandings. By understanding the rules of subject-verb agreement and applying them correctly, writers and editors can produce high-quality content that is credible and effective.
