Subject-verb agreement is an essential grammar rule that ensures the correctness of sentences in academic and professional writing. This rule requires that the verb must agree with the subject in terms of the number and person. In this article, we will discuss the 20 rules of subject-verb agreement and provide examples for each.
1. Singular subjects require singular verbs
Example: The girl walks to school.
2. Plural subjects require plural verbs
Example: The girls walk to school.
3. Indefinite pronouns require singular verbs
Example: Somebody is coming to the party.
4. Collective nouns can take a singular or plural verb
Example: The team is practicing. The team are divided on this issue.
5. Each, every, and either take singular verbs
Example: Each child has his or her own toy.
6. Neither and either require a singular verb, but not both
Example: Neither the cat nor the dog likes the rain.
Example: Either the cat or the dog likes the rain.
7. Either, neither, and one take singular verbs
Example: One of the apples is rotten.
8. The word amount requires a singular verb, while number requires a plural verb
Example: The amount of sugar in the recipe is too much.
Example: The number of students in the class is increasing.
9. The verb to be takes a singular verb when used to describe one thing
Example: The book is on the table.
10. The verb to be takes a plural verb when used to describe multiple things
Example: The books are on the table.
11. When a clause or phrase comes between the subject and verb, the verb agrees with the subject
Example: The man who works in the office is my brother.
12. Subjects joined by and require a plural verb
Example: The cat and the dog are sleeping.
13. When the subject is separated by or, the verb agrees with the closest subject
Example: Either my sister or my brothers are going to the party.
14. When the subject is separated by nor, the verb agrees with the closest subject
Example: Neither my sister nor my brothers are going to the party.
15. Collective nouns can take a singular or plural verb, depending on the context
Example: The board of directors is meeting tomorrow. (singular)
Example: The board of directors are divided on this issue. (plural)
16. Singular nouns ending in s require singular verbs
Example: The class starts at 9 am.
17. Titles of books, movies, and other creative works take a singular verb
Example: The Godfather is a classic movie.
18. Words that refer to time, money, distance, and weight take singular verbs
Example: Ten dollars is not enough to buy the book.
19. Expressions of quantity take a singular or plural verb, depending on the context
Example: Three-fourths of the pizza is gone. (singular)
Example: Three-fourths of the people are happy. (plural)
20. When using expressions of frequency, the verb agrees with the subject
Example: Every day, she walks her dog in the park.
In conclusion, subject-verb agreement is a critical aspect of writing that ensures the clarity and correctness of sentences. By following these 20 rules, writers can avoid common mistakes and achieve proper subject-verb agreement in their writing.