Introduction
Subject-verb agreement is a crucial aspect of English grammar. It ensures that the subject and verb in a sentence align in number and person. This agreement forms the foundation of grammatically correct sentences, whether in writing or speaking. In this article, we will explore the basic rules, common mistakes, and examples to help you master subject-verb agreement.
1. Basic Rule of Subject-Verb Agreement
The most fundamental rule of subject-verb agreement is that a singular subject takes a singular verb, and a plural subject takes a plural verb.
Singular Subject Example:
The dog runs fast.
(Dog is singular, so the verb “runs” is also singular.)
Plural Subject Example:
The dogs run fast.
(Dogs is plural, so the verb “run” is also plural.)
In the present tense, nouns and verbs form plurals in opposite ways: Nouns add an “s” to become plural, while verbs remove the “s” to become plural.
2. Indefinite Pronouns and Subject-Verb Agreement
Indefinite pronouns, such as everyone, someone, anybody, and nobody, are often confusing for learners. These pronouns are singular, even though they might refer to multiple people or things.
Example:
Everyone is excited about the event.
(Even though “everyone” refers to a group of people, the verb “is” is singular.)
Common Singular Indefinite Pronouns:
Everybody, someone, nobody, anybody, each, either, neither
3. Collective Nouns
Collective nouns, such as team, family, and group, can be tricky. Even though these nouns refer to a group of individuals, they are usually treated as singular in American English.
Example:
The team is winning the game.
(The word “team” refers to a group, but the verb “is” is singular.)
However, in British English, these nouns can sometimes be plural, depending on whether the group is seen as a single unit or as individuals.
Example (British English):
The team are arguing among themselves.
4. Compound Subjects
When two subjects are joined by “and”, they usually take a plural verb.
Example:
Sarah and Tom are best friends.
(Two people, so the verb is plural.)
However, when subjects are joined by “or” or “nor”, the verb agrees with the subject closest to it.
Example:
Neither the teacher nor the students were prepared.
(The verb “were” agrees with the plural subject “students.”)
Either the students or the teacher is in charge today.
(The verb “is” agrees with the singular subject “teacher.”)
5. Phrases Between the Subject and the Verb
Sometimes, a phrase comes between the subject and the verb, making it difficult to identify the correct verb form. However, the verb must always agree with the main subject, not with the noun in the interrupting phrase.
Example:
The bouquet of roses smells lovely.
(The main subject is “bouquet,” which is singular, so the verb is singular.)
The houses across the street look beautiful.
(The main subject is “houses,” which is plural, so the verb is plural.)
6. Special Cases: Titles and Names
When a title or the name of a book, movie, or organization is the subject, it is treated as singular, even if the name is in plural form.
Example:
“The Lord of the Rings” is my favorite book.
(The title is singular, even though “rings” is plural.)
Microsoft has announced a new update.
(Company names are treated as singular.)
7. Quantifiers: “A number of” vs. “The number of”
These phrases can confuse learners because they look similar, but they require different verb forms.
“A number of” takes a plural verb:
A number of students are coming to the event.
(The focus is on the plural noun “students.”)
“The number of” takes a singular verb:
The number of students is increasing.
(The focus is on the singular noun “number.”)
8. Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Here are some of the most common mistakes that learners make with subject-verb agreement and tips on how to fix them.
Mistake 1: Forgetting that “none” can be singular or plural
Incorrect: None of the students was late.
Correct: None of the students were late.
(“None” can be singular or plural depending on the context. Here, “students” is plural.)
Mistake 2: Misunderstanding collective nouns
Incorrect: The family are having dinner.
Correct: The family is having dinner.
(In American English, collective nouns take a singular verb.)
Mistake 3: Mismatch between subject and verb with phrases in between
Incorrect: The girl with her friends go to the park.
Correct: The girl with her friends goes to the park.
(The main subject is “girl,” so the verb should be singular.)
9. Exercises to Practice Subject-Verb Agreement
Let’s now put the rules into practice with some exercises.
- Each of the students (has/have) finished the assignment.
- The manager, along with his employees, (is/are) attending the meeting.
- Neither the boys nor the girl (was/were) ready for the trip.
- The team (is/are) preparing for the final match.
- A number of books (has/have) been added to the library.
(Answers: 1. has, 2. is, 3. was, 4. is, 5. have)
10. Conclusion
Mastering subject-verb agreement is essential for writing and speaking fluently in English. By understanding the rules and practicing regularly, you can avoid common mistakes and improve your grammar significantly. Keep in mind that exceptions exist, but with consistent practice, subject-verb agreement will become second nature. |
