Introduction to Subject Verb Agreement
Subject verb agreement refers to the matching of the subject and verb in a sentence based on their number and person. In simpler terms, it means that the verb in a sentence should agree with the subject in terms of singular or plural form and first, second, or third-person pronouns.
Subject Verb Agreement and Its Importance
Proper subject verb agreement in a sentence is crucial because it ensures the clarity and accuracy of the message being conveyed. Improper subject verb agreement can lead to confusion and ambiguity in the sentence, making it difficult for the reader to understand the intended meaning.
For example, consider the sentence, “The team is playing their best.” Here, the subject “team” is singular, and the verb “is” should also be singular. However, the pronoun “their” is plural, which creates a disagreement between the subject and verb. A correct version of this sentence would be, “The team is playing its best.”
Rules for Subject Verb Agreement
The following are some basic rules to follow when ensuring subject verb agreement in a sentence:
1. Singular subjects take singular verbs, whereas plural subjects take plural verbs.
Example: The boy sings. (singular subject and verb)
The girls sing. (plural subject and verb)
2. Inverted sentences, where the subject comes after the verb, may create confusion. Always ensure that the verb agrees with the subject.
Example: At the top of the hill stands a large tree. (Singular verb for a singular subject)
3. When a collective noun is used as a subject, the verb can be singular or plural, depending on the intended meaning.
Example: The team is playing well. (team is considered a singular entity)
The team are enjoying their victory. (team is considered as a group of individuals)
4. When using compound subjects joined by “and,” the verb should be plural.
Example: The dog and the cat are playing. (Compound subject with plural verb)
5. When using compound subjects joined by “or” or “nor,” the verb agrees with the closest subject.
Example: Neither the boy nor his friends are coming. (Verb agrees with the plural subject “friends”)
Conclusion
Subject verb agreement is a fundamental aspect of writing clear and accurate sentences. By following the basic rules, we can ensure that the verb correctly matches the intended subject, and the message is conveyed effectively. Remember, improper subject verb agreement can not only cause confusion but also impact the SEO of your content negatively. Therefore, it is essential to double-check the subject verb agreement in your writing and make sure it is accurate and consistent.