Subject Verb Agreement Questions

Subject-verb agreement is a fundamental rule of grammar that you must follow while speaking and writing English. It is essential to form proper sentences that convey the intended meaning. The rule states that the subject and the verb in a sentence must agree in number and person. However, subject-verb agreement questions often confuse writers and speakers. In this article, we will discuss subject-verb agreement and address some common questions that arise.

What is Subject-Verb Agreement?

Subject-verb agreement refers to the relationship between the subject and the verb in a sentence. In simple terms, it means that the subject and the verb must match in number. In other words, if the subject is singular, the verb must be singular too, and if the subject is plural, the verb must be plural as well. For example, ”He drinks coffee” is correct because the subject (`he`) is singular, and the verb (`drinks`) agrees with it in number.

Common Questions About Subject-Verb Agreement

1. Do Collective Nouns Take Singular or Plural Verbs?

Collective nouns are singular but represent a group of people or things. The verb used with collective nouns depends on the context in which they are used. If the collective noun refers to the group as a unit, use a singular verb. For example, ”The team is playing well.” However, if the collective noun refers to the individuals within the group, use a plural verb. For example, ”The team are all wearing matching uniforms.”

2. Do Compound Subjects Take Singular or Plural Verbs?

Compound subjects are made up of two or more subjects joined by `and.` The verb used with compound subjects is always plural. For example, ”John and Sarah are going to the movies tonight.”

3. Does `Or` and `Nor` Take a Singular or Plural Verb?

When `or` and `nor` are used to join two subjects, the verb agrees with the subject closer to it. If the subject is singular, the verb is singular, and if the subject is plural, the verb is plural. For example, ”Neither the cat nor the dog is hungry.”

4. Do Indefinite Pronouns Take a Singular or Plural Verb?

Indefinite pronouns can be either singular or plural, depending on the context. If the indefinite pronoun refers to a single thing or person, use a singular verb. If it refers to many things or people, use a plural verb. For example, ”Everyone is attending the party” (singular) and ”Some of the guests are coming late” (plural).

Conclusion

Subject-verb agreement might seem like a small aspect of English grammar, but it is crucial to ensure the coherence and clarity of your writing. By following the simple rules discussed above, you can ensure your sentences are grammatically correct and convey the right meaning. Remember to check your work for proper subject-verb agreement to ensure that your writing is top-notch.