Common Subject-Verb Agreement Mistakes with Singular and Plural Nouns and How to Fix Them

📚 Subject-Verb Agreement: A Comprehensive Guide

Subject-verb agreement simply means that the verb in a sentence must agree in number with its subject. In other words, a singular subject takes a singular verb, and a plural subject takes a plural verb. Seems easy, right? But things can get complicated quickly!

📜 A Brief History

The rules of subject-verb agreement have evolved alongside the English language itself. Initially, Old English had more complex verb conjugations that clearly indicated the number and person of the subject. Over time, these conjugations simplified, making subject-verb agreement a more prominent feature for clarity.

🔑 Key Principles of Subject-Verb Agreement

• 👤 Singular Subjects: Use a singular verb form. For example, 'The cat sits on the mat.'
• 👥 Plural Subjects: Use a plural verb form. For example, 'The cats sit on the mat.'
• 🤝 Compound Subjects: Subjects joined by 'and' usually take a plural verb. For example, 'John and Mary are going to the store.' However, if the compound subject refers to a single entity, use a singular verb. For example, 'Mac and cheese is my favorite dish.'
• 🧩 Collective Nouns: These nouns (e.g., team, family, committee) can be singular or plural, depending on whether they act as a single unit or as individual members. For example, 'The team is playing well' (as a unit) vs. 'The team are arguing about the strategy' (as individuals).
• ❓ Indefinite Pronouns: Pronouns like 'each,' 'every,' 'somebody,' and 'nobody' are singular. For example, 'Each of the students has a book.' Pronouns like 'several,' 'few,' 'both,' and 'many' are plural. For example, 'Both of them are going.'
• 📍 Intervening Phrases: Phrases between the subject and verb don't change the agreement. For example, 'The book, along with the CDs, is interesting.'
• 🗣️ 'There is / There are': Use 'there is' with singular nouns and 'there are' with plural nouns. For example, 'There is a cat on the roof' vs. 'There are cats on the roof.'

🌍 Real-World Examples and How to Fix Them

📝 Practice Quiz

1. The price of these shoes _____ reasonable. (is/are)
2. Everybody _____ to be on time. (is/are)
3. The players, as well as the captain, _____ tired. (is/are)
4. Both of my brothers _____ doctors. (is/are)
5. There _____ a fly in my soup. (is/are)

Answers:

1. is
2. is
3. are
4. are
5. is

💡 Conclusion

Mastering subject-verb agreement can significantly improve the clarity and correctness of your writing. By understanding the basic principles and practicing regularly, you can avoid common mistakes and communicate more effectively. Keep practicing and you'll get there! 🎉