π Understanding Subject-Verb Agreement
Subject-verb agreement is the grammatical rule stating that the verb in a sentence must agree in number (singular or plural) with its subject. When the subject and verb are close together, this is straightforward. However, intervening phrases and clauses can make it challenging to identify the true subject, leading to errors in agreement.
- π Identifying the Subject: The first step is to locate the main subject of the sentence. Ignore prepositional phrases and other modifying clauses.
- π Singular vs. Plural: Determine whether the subject is singular or plural. Collective nouns can be tricky; they are singular when referring to the group as a whole, and plural when referring to individual members.
- βοΈ Verb Conjugation: Choose the correct form of the verb that agrees with the subject. Remember that in the present tense, most verbs add an 's' when the subject is singular (he/she/it).
π A Brief History
The principles of subject-verb agreement have been a cornerstone of English grammar for centuries. Its roots lie in Old English, where inflectional endings on verbs clearly indicated agreement with the subject. While the number of inflections has decreased over time, the underlying principle remains essential for clear and accurate communication.
π Key Principles to Avoid Confusion
- π‘ Isolate the Subject: Cross out or mentally remove any phrases or clauses that come between the subject and the verb. This helps you focus on the core elements of the sentence.
- π§ Watch out for 'there' and 'here': When a sentence begins with 'there' or 'here,' the subject usually follows the verb. For example: 'There *are* many reasons...' (reasons is plural, so 'are' is correct).
- π Beware of Compound Subjects: Subjects joined by 'and' usually take a plural verb. However, if the subjects refer to the same person or thing, or are considered a single unit, a singular verb is used.
- π« Pay attention to indefinite pronouns: Pronouns like 'each,' 'every,' 'someone,' 'nobody,' and 'everything' are singular and require a singular verb.
- π’ Understand Collective Nouns: Collective nouns (e.g., team, family, committee) can be singular or plural depending on their meaning in the sentence.
- βοΈ Check for Inverted Sentences: In questions and sentences that start with a prepositional phrase, the subject often follows the verb.
π Real-World Examples
Let's examine some real-world examples to solidify your understanding:
| Sentence | Explanation |
|---|
| The list of items *is* on the table. | 'List' is the subject, not 'items.' |
| Each of the students *has* a book. | 'Each' is singular. |
| The team *is* playing well today. (as a unit) The team *are* arguing about the strategy. (as individuals) | Collective noun - singular and plural usage. |
π§ͺ Practice Quiz
Identify the correct verb form in the following sentences:
- The dog, along with its puppies, (is/are) playing in the yard.
- Neither the students nor the teacher (was/were) happy with the test results.
- Every one of the contestants (hopes/hope) to win.
- The data (shows/show) a clear trend.
- There (is/are) several reasons for the delay.
Answers: 1. is, 2. was, 3. hopes, 4. shows, 5. are
π Conclusion
Mastering subject-verb agreement enhances the clarity and professionalism of your writing and speaking. By understanding the key principles and practicing regularly, you can confidently avoid common errors and communicate effectively. Remember to isolate the subject, be aware of intervening phrases, and pay attention to the nuances of collective nouns and indefinite pronouns. Good luck!