How to Identify Subject-Verb Agreement in Simple Sentences

📚 Understanding Subject-Verb Agreement

Subject-verb agreement is a fundamental principle in English grammar that dictates that the subject of a sentence and its main verb must match in number. This means if the subject is singular, the verb must be singular; if the subject is plural, the verb must be plural. Mastering this concept is crucial for clear, grammatically correct writing and speaking.

💡 Key Principles for Identification

• 🎯 The Basic Rule: Singular vs. Plural
  A singular subject takes a singular verb, and a plural subject takes a plural verb. Singular verbs often end in -s in the present tense (e.g., walks, runs, sings), while plural verbs do not (e.g., walk, run, sing).
  • ✨ Example (Singular): The dog runs quickly.
  • 👥 Example (Plural): The dogs run quickly.
• 🔗 Compound Subjects Joined by "And"
  When two or more subjects are joined by "and," they typically form a plural subject and require a plural verb.
  • 🤝 Example: John and Mary are going to the party.
  • ❌ Exception: If the compound subject refers to a single entity or idea, it takes a singular verb. (e.g., "Peanut butter and jelly is my favorite sandwich.")
• ⚖️ Compound Subjects Joined by "Or" or "Nor"
  When subjects are joined by "or" or "nor," the verb agrees with the subject closest to it.
  • 🍎 Example: Neither the apples nor the orange is fresh.
  • 🍇 Example: Neither the orange nor the apples are fresh.
• 🔍 Phrases Between Subject and Verb
  Prepositional phrases or other descriptive clauses that come between the subject and the verb do not affect the agreement. Identify the true subject of the sentence.
  • 🌳 Example: The tree with the red leaves is beautiful. (Subject: "tree," not "leaves")
  • 📚 Example: The students in the back row are paying attention. (Subject: "students," not "row")
• 👤 Indefinite Pronouns
  Some indefinite pronouns are always singular (e.g., each, every, either, neither, one, anyone, everybody, no one, something), while others are always plural (e.g., both, few, many, several). Some can be singular or plural depending on the context (e.g., all, any, none, most, some).
  • 💡 Example (Singular): Everybody wants a turn.
  • 🔢 Example (Plural): Many believe in luck.
• 👪 Collective Nouns
  Collective nouns (e.g., team, family, committee, audience, group) can be singular or plural depending on whether they are acting as a single unit or as individuals.
  • 🏅 Example (Acting as a unit): The team is winning.
  • 🗣️ Example (Acting as individuals): The team are arguing among themselves. (Less common in American English, but grammatically correct)
• ↔️ Inverted Sentences
  In sentences where the subject comes after the verb (e.g., questions, sentences starting with "there is/are"), identify the subject first.
  • ❓ Example: Where are the keys? (Subject: "keys")
  • 🚪 Example: There is a cat on the porch. (Subject: "cat")

✍️ Practice Quiz: Identify the Correct Verb

Choose the verb that correctly agrees with the subject in each sentence.

1. The cat (sleeps/sleep) on the mat.
2. John and Sarah (is/are) going to the store.
3. Neither the book nor the pens (is/are) on the table.
4. One of the students (has/have) finished the assignment.
5. The committee (meets/meet) every Tuesday.

Answers:

1. sleeps
2. are
3. are
4. has
5. meets

✅ Conclusion: Mastering Agreement

Identifying subject-verb agreement is a foundational skill that enhances the clarity and correctness of your communication. By understanding these key principles and practicing regularly, you can confidently ensure your subjects and verbs always match, leading to more polished and professional writing. Keep practicing, and it will become second nature! 🚀