Subject and Verb Agreement: 1
Subject and Verb Agreement
The Basic Rule:
Subjects and verbs must agree in number (singular or plural).
A singular subject takes a singular verb. (e.g., The cat sits on the mat.)
A plural subject takes a plural verb. (e.g., The cats sit on the mat.)
Subjects Joined by "And"
Usually, subjects joined by "and" are treated as plural and take a plural verb. (e.g., The bread and cheese are delicious.)
Exceptions:
When "and" joins two singular subjects that refer to the same thing, a singular verb is used. (e.g., Butter and salt is a classic flavor combination.)
Subjects Joined by "Or," "Nor," "Either/Or," or "Neither/Nor"
The verb agrees with the subject closest to it. (e.g., Neither the dog nor the cats wants to go outside.)
But if both subjects are singular, the verb stays singular. (e.g., Either John or Mary runs errands every weekend.)
Collective Nouns
Collective nouns (e.g., team, committee, audience) can be singular or plural depending on the context.
Singular if treated as a unit. (e.g., The team plays every Friday.)
Plural if referring to the individual members. (e.g., The committee are debating the proposal.)
Indefinite Pronouns
Some indefinite pronouns (e.g., all, some, none, anybody) can be singular or plural. The verb agrees with the noun the pronoun refers to.
Singular: All of the milk has gone sour.
Plural: Some of the leaves have fallen.
Subjects with Prepositional Phrases
Identify the subject before the prepositional phrase. (e.g., The box on the table contains old toys.)
"There Is" or "There Are"
The verb agrees with the noun following "there," not "there." (e.g., There are many birds in the trees.)
Remember:
The verb "to be" has different forms for singular (is, am) and plural (are).
By understanding these rules and practicing, you can master subject-verb agreement and ensure clear and grammatically correct writing!
Now It's Time for Practice.
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