Science of sentence making 2 (Sub-Verb)-Lesson 3

Subject-Verb Agreement

Subject-verb agreement refers to the grammatical rule that the verb must agree in number (singular or plural) with the subject of the sentence and the tense else the sentence would look awful.

Rules of Subject-Verb Agreement

1. Singular Subject → Singular Verb

• A singular subject takes a singular verb (usually ends in “-s” or “-es” in the present tense).
• Examples:
  • She walks to school.
  • The dog barks loudly.

2. Plural Subject → Plural Verb

• A plural subject takes a plural verb (without “-s” in the present tense).
• Examples:
  • They walk to school.
  • The dogs bark loudly.

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Special Cases in Subject-Verb Agreement

3. Subjects Joined by “And”

• When two or more subjects are joined by “and,” use a plural verb.
• Examples:
  • Mary and John are friends.
  • The cat and the dog play together.
• Exception: If the subjects refer to a single entity or idea, use a singular verb.
  • Example: Peanut butter and jelly is my favorite sandwich.

4. Subjects Joined by “Or” or “Nor”

• The verb agrees with the subject closest to it.
• Examples:
  • Either the teacher or the students are responsible.
  • Neither the students nor the teacher is ready.

5. Indefinite Pronouns as Subjects

• Singular indefinite pronouns: Always take singular verbs.
  • Examples: Everyone, someone, nobody, each, anybody
  • Example: Everyone enjoys the party.
• Plural indefinite pronouns: Always take plural verbs.
  • Examples: Both, few, many, several
  • Example: Many know the truth.
• Some indefinite pronouns: Can be singular or plural, depending on the context.
  • Examples: All, none, some, most
  • Examples:
    • All of the cake is gone. (cake is singular)
    • All of the cookies are gone. (cookies is plural)

6. Collective Nouns as Subjects

• A collective noun (e.g., team, family, jury) can take a singular or plural verb depending on whether the group acts as a single entity or as individuals.
• Examples:
  • The team is winning. (acting as a unit)
  • The team are arguing among themselves. (acting as individuals)

7. Subjects with Distances, Time, or Amounts

• Use a singular verb when the subject refers to a total amount or a unit.
• Examples:
  • Ten dollars is enough.
  • Five years is a long time.

8. Inverted Sentences

• When the sentence starts with words like “Here” or “There,” the verb agrees with the subject that follows.
• Examples:
  • Here is the book.
  • There are many options.

9. Titles and Proper Nouns

• Titles of books, movies, or other works take singular verbs, even if they appear plural.
• Examples:
  • “The Chronicles of Narnia” is a popular series.
  • The United States is a large country.

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Quick Recap with Mixed Examples

1. The boy runs fast. (singular subject → singular verb)
2. The boys run fast. (plural subject → plural verb)
3. Each of the players has a unique skill.
4. Both of them are ready.
5. Neither the dog nor the cats are hungry.
6. The jury is deciding the case.
7. Five kilometers is a long distance.

By following these rules, you ensure that your sentences are grammatically correct and easy to understand!