Understanding subject-verb agreement is essential for constructing grammatically correct sentences. This fundamental aspect of English grammar ensures that verbs correctly correspond to their subjects in number and person. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the rules, exceptions, and common pitfalls associated with subject-verb agreement.
Introduction
Subject-verb agreement refers to the grammatical rule that the verb must agree in number with its subject. This means that singular subjects take singular verbs, and plural subjects take plural verbs. Mastering this rule is vital for clear and effective communication in English.
What is Subject-Verb Agreement?
At its core, subject-verb agreement means that the form of the verb must match the subject in a sentence. For instance, in the sentence "The cat runs," the singular subject "cat" agrees with the singular verb "runs." Conversely, in "The cats run," the plural subject "cats" agrees with the plural verb "run."
Basic Rules of Subject-Verb Agreement
1. Singular and Plural Subjects:
- Singular subjects take singular verbs.
- Plural subjects take plural verbs.
Example:
- The dog barks. (singular)
- The dogs bark. (plural)
2. Compound Subjects:
Subjects joined by "and" usually take a plural verb.
Example:
- The cat and the dog are friends.
3. Subjects joined by "or" or "nor":
The verb agrees with the subject closest to it.
Example:
- Either the cat or the dogs have eaten.
- Neither the dogs nor the cat is sleeping.
Singular Indefinite Pronouns
Indefinite pronouns that are always singular include anyone, everyone, someone, no one, nobody. These pronouns require singular verbs.
Example:
- Everyone is welcome.
Plural Indefinite Pronouns
Some indefinite pronouns are always plural, such as several, few, both, many. These pronouns take plural verbs.
Example:
- Many are called, but few are chosen.
Collective Nouns
Collective nouns represent a group but are considered singular and take a singular verb when the group acts as a single unit.
Example:
- The team wins its games.
However, when the individuals in the group are acting separately, a plural verb is used.
Example:
- The team are arguing among themselves.
Special Cases in Subject-Verb Agreement
1. Subjects Separated by Words:
The verb must still agree with the main subject even if other words separate them.
Example:
- The bouquet of roses smells lovely.
2. Expressions of Quantity:
With expressions like "a number of," the verb usually agrees with the noun closest to it.
Example:
- A number of students are present.
3. Titles of Works, Company Names, and Words as Singular Entities:
Even if plural in form, they take singular verbs.
Example:
- The Chronicles of Narnia is a popular series.
- Apple Inc. has released a new product.
Common Pitfalls in Subject-Verb Agreement
1. Intervening Prepositional Phrases:
These can be misleading but should not affect verb agreement.
Example:
- The key to the cabinets is missing.
2. Subjects with Both Singular and Plural Components:
- Focus on the subject closest to the verb.
Example:
- Neither the teacher nor the students understand the assignment.
3. Compound Subjects with “Or” or “Nor”:
Ensure the verb agrees with the nearest subject.
Example:
- Neither the director nor the actors were prepared.
4. Inverted Subjects:
When the subject follows the verb, the same rules apply.
Example:
- There are many challenges.
Practice Sentences
1. The cat ___ quickly. (run/runs)
2. She ___ a good student. (is/are)
3. The book ___ on the table. (was/were)
4. The cats ___ quickly. (run/runs)
5. They ___ good students. (is/are)
6. The books ___ on the table. (was/were)
7. Tom and Jerry ___ best friends. (is/are)
8. The dog and the cat ___ together. (play/plays)
9. Neither the teacher nor the student ___ happy with the result. (was/were)
10. Either the book or the pen ___ on the table. (is/are)
11. Everyone ___ to be happy. (wants/want)
12. Each of the players ___ ready. (is/are)
13. Someone ___ left their bag. (has/have)
14. Both ___ finished their work. (has/have)
15. Few ___ the truth. (know/knows)
16. Several ___ attending the meeting. (is/are)
17. The team ___ winning the game. (is/are)
18. The team ___ arguing among themselves. (is/are)
19. "The Lord of the Rings" ___ a popular book series. (is/are)
20. The United Nations ___ founded in 1945. (was/were)
21. Here ___ the report you asked for. (is/are)
22. There ___ many reasons to visit. (is/are)
23. The manager, as well as his assistants, ___ attending the meeting. (is/are)
24. The cake, in addition to the cookies, ___ delicious. (was/were)
25. Five dollars ___ enough. (is/are)
26. Ten miles ___ a long way to walk. (is/are)
27. The committee ___ on the final agenda. (decides/decide)
28. Each of the girls ___ a unique talent. (has/have)
29. The data ___ collected from various sources. (was/were)
30. Here ___ the documents you requested. (is/are)
31. The jury ___ in agreement on the verdict. (is/are)
Answers:
1. runs, 2. is, 3. was, 4. run, 5. are, 6. were, 7. are, 8. play, 9. was, 10. is, 11. wants, 12. is, 13. has, 14. have, 15. know, 16. are, 17. is, 18. are, 19. is, 20. was, 21. is, 22. are, 23. is, 24. was, 25. is, 26. is, 27. decides, 28. has, 29. were, 30. are, 31. is.
FAQs
What happens when subjects are connected by "or" or "nor"?
When subjects are connected by "or" or "nor," the verb agrees with the subject closest to it. For example, "Neither the manager nor the employees are satisfied."
How do collective nouns affect subject-verb agreement?
Collective nouns take a singular verb when the group acts as a single unit and a plural verb when individuals act separately. For example, "The committee decides" (as a unit) vs. "The committee argue among themselves" (individually).
Are there exceptions to the basic rules?
Yes, certain exceptions include phrases that imply quantity (e.g., "a number of") and specific indefinite pronouns which always take singular or plural verbs. Context often dictates these exceptions.
How do I handle subject-verb agreement with indefinite pronouns?
Singular indefinite pronouns (e.g., anyone, someone) take singular verbs. Plural indefinite pronouns (e.g., several, few) take plural verbs.
What about titles of books and names of companies?
Titles of books and names of companies, despite their plural forms, take singular verbs. For example, "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows is a popular book."
Do prepositional phrases affect subject-verb agreement?
No, prepositional phrases do not affect the verb agreement. The verb should agree with the main subject, not the object of the prepositional phrase.
Conclusion
Mastering subject-verb agreement is fundamental to writing clear and grammatically correct sentences in English. By understanding the rules and recognizing the exceptions, you can avoid common errors and improve your writing skills. Remember, practice is key to mastering these rules, so keep writing and reviewing to ensure proper subject-verb agreement in all your sentences.
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