π What is Subject-Verb Agreement?
Subject-verb agreement simply means that the subject and verb in a sentence must agree in number. If the subject is singular, the verb must be singular. If the subject is plural, the verb must be plural. It makes your sentences sound correct and clear!
ποΈ A Little History
The rules of subject-verb agreement have evolved over centuries as the English language itself developed. These rules help maintain clarity and consistency in writing and speech. They've been standardized in modern grammar to ensure effective communication.
π Key Principles of Subject-Verb Agreement
- π€ Singular Subjects: Use a singular verb form with singular subjects. For example, "He runs fast."
- π₯ Plural Subjects: Use a plural verb form with plural subjects. For example, "They run fast."
- π€ Compound Subjects: Subjects joined by "and" usually take a plural verb. For example, "Sarah and John are going to the park."
- β οΈ Exceptions with 'or' and 'nor': When subjects are joined by "or" or "nor," the verb agrees with the subject closest to it. For example, "Neither the cat nor the dogs are eating." But, "Neither the dogs nor the cat is eating."
- β Questions: In questions, make sure the verb agrees with the subject. For example, "Is she coming?" or "Are they coming?"
π Real-World Examples
Let's look at some sentences you might use every day:
| Sentence |
Subject |
Verb |
Notes |
| The dog barks loudly. |
dog (singular) |
barks (singular) |
Singular subject, singular verb |
| The dogs bark loudly. |
dogs (plural) |
bark (plural) |
Plural subject, plural verb |
| She likes to read. |
She (singular) |
likes (singular) |
Singular subject, singular verb |
| They like to read. |
They (plural) |
like (plural) |
Plural subject, plural verb |
βοΈ Practice Quiz
Choose the correct verb form to complete each sentence:
- The cat (sleeps/sleep) on the mat.
- They (play/plays) soccer after school.
- My friend and I (go/goes) to the library.
- She (has/have) a new bike.
- The birds (sing/sings) in the morning.
- He (eat/eats) pizza every Friday.
- We (are/is) happy to learn about grammar.
Answer Key:
- sleeps
- play
- go
- has
- sing
- eats
- are
π‘ Tips for Success
- π§ Identify the Subject: Always find the subject of the sentence first.
- π£οΈ Read Aloud: Sometimes, reading the sentence aloud can help you hear if it sounds right.
- π Practice Regularly: The more you practice, the better you'll become!
β
Conclusion
Understanding subject-verb agreement is an important step in mastering English grammar. With a little practice, you'll be writing clear, correct sentences in no time! Keep practicing, and you'll become a grammar pro! π