Subject verb agreement is a fundamental rule of English grammar. It refers to the need for the subject of a sentence to agree with the verb that is being used. This means that if the subject of your sentence is singular, then the verb must also be singular, and if the subject is plural, then the verb must also be plural.
Why is subject verb agreement important?
Subject verb agreement is important because it ensures that your writing is clear and grammatically correct. It can be confusing for readers if the subject and verb in a sentence don`t agree. For example, imagine you read the following sentence: “The cat runs fast.” The subject “cat” is singular, so the verb “runs” must also be singular. If, however, the sentence read “The cat run fast,” it would be incorrect and confusing for the reader.
How to ensure subject verb agreement in your writing
To make sure that the subject and verb in your sentences agree, follow these simple steps:
1. Identify the subject of your sentence.
2. Determine if the subject is singular or plural.
3. Choose the correct verb form based on the subject`s number.
If the subject is singular, use a singular verb form (e.g. “The dog barks”).
If the subject is plural, use a plural verb form (e.g. “The dogs bark”).
Exceptions to the rule
There are a few exceptions to the subject verb agreement rule that you should be aware of. For example:
1. When using collective nouns, the verb can be singular or plural depending on context. For example, “The herd is grazing in the field” (singular) vs. “The herd are heading to the water” (plural).
2. In cases where the subject is compound, use a plural verb (e.g. “The cat and dog play together”).
3. In cases where the subject and predicate noun are the same, use a singular verb form (e.g. “My favorite band is The Beatles”).
Final thoughts
Subject verb agreement is a crucial element of English grammar that all writers should be aware of. By ensuring that your subjects and verbs agree, you can create clear and easily understandable writing that will engage your readers. Remember to always double-check your writing for correct subject verb agreement, and don`t be afraid to ask for help if you`re unsure!