Subject-verb agreement is a fundamental rule in English grammar that ensures verbs correspond correctly to their subjects in number and person. Many learners struggle with this concept, but a clear understanding of the rules can significantly improve accuracy and fluency in writing and speech. This guide provides a detailed explanation of subject-verb agreement, common errors, and practical strategies for mastering it.
The Basic Rule of Subject-Verb Agreement
A singular subject requires a singular verb, while a plural subject requires a plural verb.
- Correct: The cat runs fast.
- Correct: The cats run fast.
However, subject-verb agreement involves several exceptions and special cases, which are outlined below.
Key Rules of Subject-Verb Agreement
Third-Person Singular Subjects
- When the subject is he, she, or it, the verb takes an -s or -es ending.
- Correct: She watches television.
- Incorrect: She watch television.
Compound Subjects
- When two subjects are joined by and, a plural verb is used.
- Correct: Tom and Jerry are best friends.
- When two subjects refer to a singular concept, a singular verb is used.
- Correct: Rice and beans is my favorite dish.
Indefinite Pronouns
Some pronouns are always singular, while others are always plural or change depending on context.
- Always Singular: everyone, somebody, nobody, each
- Correct: Everybody loves ice cream.
- Always Plural: few, many, several
- Correct: Few understand the importance of patience.
- Context-Dependent: some, all, none
- Correct: Some of the cake is gone. (Singular: refers to an uncountable noun.)
- Correct: Some of the cookies are missing. (Plural: refers to a countable noun.)
Collective Nouns
- When a collective noun refers to a group acting as a single unit, a singular verb is used.
- Correct: The team is winning.
- When emphasizing individual members of the group, a plural verb is used.
- Correct: The team are arguing among themselves.
“There is” vs. “There are”
- The verb agrees with the noun that follows.
- Correct: There is a book on the table. (Singular noun: book)
- Correct: There are books on the table. (Plural noun: books)
Common Mistakes and Corrections
- Incorrect: Neither of them are ready.
Correct: Neither of them is ready. (“Neither” is singular.) - Incorrect: One of my friends are coming.
Correct: One of my friends is coming. (The subject is “one,” which is singular.) - Incorrect: The government have decided.
Correct: The government has decided. (“Government” is singular unless referring to individuals within it.) - Incorrect: My family are planning a trip.
Correct: My family is planning a trip. (“Family” is singular unless emphasizing individual members.) - Incorrect: Each of the students have a book.
Correct: Each of the students has a book. (“Each” is always singular.)
Frequently Asked Questions
What if a subject is connected by “or” or “nor”?
The verb agrees with the closest subject.
- Correct: Either the teachers or the student is responsible.
- Correct: Either the student or the teachers are responsible.
Are words like “news” and “mathematics” singular or plural?
Although these words end in -s, they are singular.
- Correct: Mathematics is difficult.
- Correct: The news is surprising.
How should one handle phrases like “One of the…”?
The verb follows “one,” which is singular, rather than the plural noun that follows.
- Correct: One of the books is missing.
Strategies to Master Subject-Verb Agreement
- Identify the True Subject: Ignore words that come between the subject and the verb.
- Practice Regularly: Reading and writing in English daily helps reinforce correct usage.
- Use Grammar Tools: Applications such as Grammarly can highlight errors and suggest corrections.
- Listen to Native Speakers: Pay attention to subject-verb agreement in spoken English.
- Take Quizzes and Exercises: Regular self-assessment improves retention and understanding.
Conclusion
Mastering subject-verb agreement is essential for clear and grammatically correct communication. By understanding the rules, avoiding common mistakes, and practicing consistently, English learners can significantly enhance their writing and speaking skills. Implementing these strategies will help ensure that subject-verb agreement becomes second nature in daily usage.
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