One of the most important aspects of effective writing is subject-verb agreement. Simply put, this means that the subject and the verb in a sentence must align in terms of number and tense. Whether you are a professional writer, a student, or just someone who wants to communicate more effectively, understanding the specific rules of subject-verb agreement is critical.
Here are some key rules to keep in mind:
1. Singular subjects require singular verbs, and plural subjects require plural verbs.
For example:
– The cat is sleeping. (singular subject, singular verb)
– The cats are sleeping. (plural subject, plural verb)
2. If the subject is a collective noun, the verb should agree with the noun as a single unit, rather than as multiple individuals.
For example:
– The class is starting. (collective noun, singular verb)
– The team is playing well. (collective noun, singular verb)
3. In sentences that contain phrases or clauses between the subject and the verb, it is important to ensure that the verb agrees with the subject, rather than with any words in the phrase or clause.
For example:
– The book, along with its illustrations, is inspiring. (singular subject, singular verb)
– The books, along with their illustrations, are inspiring. (plural subject, plural verb)
4. When using compound subjects (subjects joined by “and”), the verb should be plural.
For example:
– The dog and the cat are playing. (two subjects, plural verb)
– John and Jane are going to the store. (two subjects, plural verb)
5. When using subjects joined by “or” or “nor,” the verb should agree with the subject closer to it.
For example:
– Either the cat or the dog is responsible for the mess. (singular verb, closer subject is singular)
– Neither the cats nor the dogs are allowed on the couch. (plural verb, closer subject is plural)
6. In sentences that begin with “there” or “here,” the verb should agree with the subject that comes after the verb.
For example:
– There are many books on the shelf. (plural subject, plural verb)
– Here is a list of your options. (singular subject, singular verb)
By following these rules of subject-verb agreement, you can ensure that your writing is clear, concise, and grammatically correct. Whether you are writing a blog post, a research paper, or a business report, paying attention to these details will make a big difference in how your writing is received and understood by your audience.