Subject-verb agreement is one of the fundamental aspects of grammar that every writer needs to master. The basic rule is simple: the subject and the verb in a sentence must agree in number. This means that a singular subject should have a singular verb, and a plural subject should have a plural verb.
Here are some basic rules to keep in mind when it comes to subject-verb agreement:
1. Use a singular verb with a singular subject. For example: “The dog barks loudly.”
2. Use a plural verb with a plural subject. For example: “The dogs bark loudly.”
3. Use a singular verb with an uncountable noun. For example: “The water tastes good.”
4. Use a plural verb with a collective noun that refers to a group of individuals. For example: “The team are going to the playoffs.”
5. Use a singular verb with a collective noun that refers to a singular unit. For example: “The committee makes decisions.”
6. When there is an intervening phrase between the subject and the verb, make sure the verb agrees with the subject, not the intervening phrase. For example: “The book, along with its illustrations, is a bestseller.”
7. When a sentence has a compound subject joined by “and,” use a plural verb. For example: “Tom and Jerry are best friends.”
8. When a sentence has compound subjects joined by “or” or “nor,” use a singular verb if both subjects are singular. For example: “Either John or Mary is going to the party.” Use a plural verb if both subjects are plural. For example: “Neither the cats nor the dogs are allowed on the couch.”
9. When a sentence has compound subjects joined by “or” or “nor,” use a plural verb if one subject is plural. For example: “Either John or the students are going to the party.”
Following these basic rules of subject-verb agreement will help you write clear and grammatically correct sentences. Remember, when subject and verb agree, your readers will easily understand your message, and your writing will be more effective.