Subject-verb agreement is an essential aspect of good writing. It is the foundation of clear and effective communication. When the subject and verb of a sentence agree in number, it makes the sentence easier to read and understand. Here are ten rules of subject-verb agreement that will help you become a better writer.
1. Singular subjects take singular verbs, and plural subjects take plural verbs. For example, “The cat is sleeping” (singular) and “The cats are sleeping” (plural).
2. A singular subject joined by “and” takes a plural verb. This is known as compound subject-verb agreement. For example, “The dog and the cat are playing.”
3. When a singular subject is followed by “or” or “nor,” the verb agrees with the closest subject. For example, “Either the dog or the cat is going to the vet.”
4. When a compound subject is joined by “or” or “nor,” the verb agrees with the subject closest to the verb. For example, “Neither the dog nor the cat likes baths.”
5. When the subject is a collective noun, the verb can be singular or plural, depending on whether the group is seen as a single entity or as individuals. For example, “The team is practicing” (seen as a single entity) and “The team are arguing” (seen as individuals).
6. Indefinite pronouns like “everyone,” “someone,” and “anyone” take singular verbs. For example, “Everyone is here.”
7. When the subject of a sentence is a fraction, the verb agrees with the denominator. For example, “Two-thirds of the cake was eaten.”
8. When the subject is a singular noun that ends in “s,” the verb can be either singular or plural. For example, “Mathematics is my favorite subject” and “Mathematics are challenging.”
9. When the subject is a title or name that ends in a plural noun, the verb is singular. For example, “The United States is a large country.”
10. When the subject is a title or name that refers to a group of individuals, the verb is plural. For example, “The Beatles were a popular band.”
In conclusion, subject-verb agreement is all about ensuring that your writing is clear, concise, and easy to understand. By following these ten rules, you can improve your writing and communicate your ideas more effectively. Remember, good writing is not only about knowledge of grammar but also about practice. So, keep writing and mastering these rules.