Sample Of Subject Verb Agreement

Mastering Subject-Verb Agreement: A Comprehensive Guide with Examples

Subject-verb agreement is a fundamental concept in grammar, ensuring that the verb in a sentence correctly matches the subject in number (singular or plural). While seemingly simple, mastering subject-verb agreement can be challenging due to various grammatical constructions and exceptions. This comprehensive guide will equip you with the knowledge and tools to confidently navigate the intricacies of subject-verb agreement, providing numerous examples along the way. Understanding this crucial aspect of grammar will significantly enhance your writing clarity and precision.

Understanding the Basics: Singular and Plural Subjects

At its core, subject-verb agreement means the verb must agree in number with the subject. A singular subject takes a singular verb, while a plural subject takes a plural verb.

Example (Singular): The dog barks loudly. (Singular subject "dog," singular verb "barks")
Example (Plural): The dogs bark loudly. (Plural subject "dogs," plural verb "bark")

This simple principle forms the foundation upon which more complex rules are built. Let's delve into these complexities.

Common Challenges and Rules of Subject-Verb Agreement

Many grammatical constructions can make determining subject-verb agreement tricky. Let's explore some common challenges and the rules to overcome them.

1. Intervening Phrases

Phrases or clauses placed between the subject and the verb do not affect the agreement. The verb still agrees with the main subject.

Example: The box of chocolates, along with the flowers, is a lovely gift. ("Box" is the singular subject; the intervening phrase doesn't change the verb.)
Example: The students, despite their initial apprehension, were ultimately successful. ("Students" is the plural subject; the intervening phrase doesn't change the verb.)

2. Compound Subjects Joined by "And"

When two or more subjects are joined by "and," they generally take a plural verb.

Example: My sister and brother are going to the movies.
Example: The cat and the dog play together in the garden.

Exception: If the compound subject refers to a single entity or idea, it takes a singular verb.

Example: Peanut butter and jelly is my favorite sandwich. (Peanut butter and jelly are considered one item.)
Example: Bacon and eggs is a classic breakfast.

3. Compound Subjects Joined by "Or," "Nor," "Either…or," "Neither…nor"

With compound subjects joined by "or," "nor," "either…or," or "neither…nor," the verb agrees with the subject closest to it.

Example: Neither the teacher nor the students are prepared for the exam. ("Students" is closest to the verb, hence the plural verb "are.")
Example: Either my mom or my dad is picking me up. ("Dad" is closest to the verb, hence the singular verb "is.")

4. Collective Nouns

Collective nouns (e.g., team, family, group, committee) can be either singular or plural depending on the context. If the noun refers to the group as a single unit, use a singular verb. If it refers to the individual members of the group, use a plural verb.

Example (Singular): The team is playing well tonight. (The team is considered a single unit.)
Example (Plural): The team are arguing amongst themselves. (The focus is on the individual members of the team.)

5. Indefinite Pronouns

Indefinite pronouns (e.g., everyone, someone, anyone, no one, anybody, somebody, nobody, each, either, neither) are always singular and take a singular verb.

Example: Everyone is invited to the party.
Example: Nobody knows the trouble I've seen.

6. Pronouns: "I," "You," "We," and "They"

These pronouns are always plural except for "I," which is singular, and “you,” which can be singular or plural depending on usage.

Example (Plural): We are going to the beach.
Example (Plural): They were at the concert last night.
Example (Singular or Plural): You are a good friend. (Singular if referring to one person, plural if referring to multiple people).

7. Subjects That Appear Plural But Are Singular

Some nouns that end in "-s" are actually singular. These include words like news, measles, mumps, physics, economics.

Example: The news is on at 6 pm.
Example: Measles is a highly contagious disease.

8. Fractional Expressions

The verb agrees with the noun or pronoun following the fraction or percentage.

Example: Two-thirds of the students were absent. (The verb agrees with the plural noun "students.")
Example: One-third of the pie is left. (The verb agrees with the singular noun "pie.")

9. Titles of Works

Titles of books, movies, and other works are always treated as singular, even if they contain plural words.

Example: The Lord of the Rings is a classic fantasy trilogy.

10. Units of Measurement

Units of measurement typically take singular verbs, even when they are plural in number.

Example: Ten liters is sufficient for the experiment.
Example: Five kilometers is a long walk.

Advanced Subject-Verb Agreement Challenges

Beyond the basic rules, several more complex situations can test your understanding of subject-verb agreement.

1. Clauses Beginning with "Who," "That," or "Which"

The verb in a relative clause (a clause beginning with who, that, or which) agrees with the noun or pronoun it modifies.

Example: The students who are studying hard will succeed. (The verb "are" agrees with "students.")
Example: The book that is on the table is mine. (The verb "is" agrees with "book.")

2. Inverted Sentence Structures

In sentences with inverted word order (verb before subject), the verb still agrees with the subject.

Example: There are many challenges ahead. (The subject "challenges" is plural, so the verb is "are.")
Example: Here comes the bus. (The subject "bus" is singular, so the verb is "comes.")

3. Parenthetical Expressions

Parenthetical expressions (words or phrases that add extra information but are not essential to the sentence's meaning) do not affect subject-verb agreement.

Example: The dog, along with its puppies, is sleeping soundly.

Practice Makes Perfect: Exercises

To solidify your understanding, practice identifying the correct subject-verb agreement in the following sentences:

The flock of birds (fly/flies) south for the winter.
Neither the cat nor the dogs (is/are) allowed inside.
The committee (has/have) reached a decision.
Everyone in the class (is/are) taking the test.
Twenty dollars (is/are) not enough to buy that.
The news (is/are) always alarming these days.
My friend and her siblings (is/are) coming to visit me.
Either the girls or their mother (is/are) going to the store.
Statistics (is/are) often misunderstood.
The data that he collected (is/are) still being analyzed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are some common mistakes people make with subject-verb agreement?

A: Common mistakes include ignoring intervening phrases, misidentifying the subject in compound sentences, and incorrectly handling collective nouns and indefinite pronouns.

Q: How can I improve my subject-verb agreement skills?

A: Practice, practice, practice! Read widely, pay attention to how verbs are used in different sentences, and actively apply the rules you've learned. Use online grammar exercises and seek feedback on your writing.

Q: Are there any online resources that can help me with subject-verb agreement?

A: Numerous online grammar resources and websites offer quizzes, explanations, and exercises on subject-verb agreement.

Q: Is subject-verb agreement important for professional writing?

A: Absolutely! Correct subject-verb agreement demonstrates grammatical accuracy and professionalism. It helps ensure your writing is clear, concise, and easily understood.

Conclusion

Mastering subject-verb agreement is a vital skill for effective communication. By understanding the rules and practicing regularly, you can significantly improve your writing clarity and precision. While seemingly daunting initially, with focused effort and practice, you will confidently navigate the intricacies of this crucial grammatical concept, crafting grammatically flawless and engaging written pieces. Remember, even experienced writers sometimes encounter challenges with subject-verb agreement; continuous practice and mindful attention to detail are key to mastering this fundamental grammatical skill. The journey to grammatical mastery is an ongoing process, and each challenge overcome reinforces your understanding and improves your writing proficiency.