How to avoid Subject-Verb agreement errors in SVO sentences

📚 Understanding Subject-Verb Agreement in SVO Sentences

Subject-verb agreement (SVA) simply means that the verb in a sentence must agree in number with its subject. In Subject-Verb-Object (SVO) sentences, the subject typically comes first, making it (usually!) easier to identify. However, intervening phrases and compound subjects can sometimes cause confusion.

📜 A Brief History

The rules of subject-verb agreement have evolved alongside the English language. Initially, English verbs had more complex inflectional endings, making agreement more visually obvious. Over time, these inflections simplified, placing greater emphasis on word order and the need for conscious attention to SVA. The standardization of English grammar in the 18th century further solidified these rules.

🔑 Key Principles of Subject-Verb Agreement

• 👤 Singular Subjects: 💡 Use a singular verb with singular subjects. For example, "The dog barks."
• 👥 Plural Subjects: 📚 Use a plural verb with plural subjects. For example, "The dogs bark."
• 🔗 Compound Subjects (and): 🤝 Subjects joined by "and" usually take a plural verb. For example, "John and Mary are coming." However, if the subjects refer to a single entity, a singular verb is used: "Macaroni and cheese is my favorite food."
• 💔 Compound Subjects (or/nor): 🤔 When subjects are joined by "or" or "nor," the verb agrees with the subject closest to it. For example, "Neither the students nor the teacher was present." Or, "Neither the teacher nor the students were present."
• 💬 Intervening Phrases: ✍️ Ignore phrases that come between the subject and the verb. For example, "The book, along with the CDs, is on the shelf."
• ❓ Indefinite Pronouns: 🔑 Some indefinite pronouns (e.g., each, everyone, somebody) are singular and require singular verbs. Others (e.g., several, both, few) are plural and require plural verbs. Pronouns like "some," "any," "none," and "all" can be singular or plural depending on what they refer to.
• 💰 Collective Nouns: 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Collective nouns (e.g., team, family, committee) can be singular or plural depending on whether they are acting as a unit or as individual members. For example, "The team is playing well." (unit) vs. "The team are arguing about the strategy." (individuals)

🌍 Real-World Examples

Let's look at some examples of correct subject-verb agreement in SVO sentences:

🧪 Practice Quiz

Choose the correct form of the verb in each sentence:

1. The dog (barks/bark) loudly.
2. My sister and I (is/are) going to the store.
3. Each of the boys (has/have) a toy.
4. The team (is/are) playing well tonight.
5. The books on the shelf (is/are) old.
6. Neither John nor his brothers (is/are) coming.
7. Everyone (knows/know) the answer.

Answers: 1. barks, 2. are, 3. has, 4. is, 5. are, 6. are, 7. knows

💡 Conclusion

Mastering subject-verb agreement in SVO sentences involves understanding the basic principles and paying close attention to potential pitfalls like intervening phrases and compound subjects. With practice and careful reading, you can avoid these common errors and write with greater clarity and confidence. Remember to identify the true subject and make sure the verb agrees!