Subject-verb agreement is one of the most fundamental tenets of the English language. It refers to the rule that the subject and verb of a sentence must agree in number. If the subject is singular, the verb should also be singular; if the subject is plural, so should the verb be.

This rule may sound straightforward, but it can be confusing for many writers, especially when it comes to more complex sentence structures. However, mastering subject-verb agreement is essential for effective communication and clear writing.

To better understand this concept, let`s explore it in more detail.

What is Subject-Verb Agreement?

As stated earlier, subject-verb agreement is the relationship between the subject and the verb of a sentence. This agreement is based on the number of the subject. If the subject is singular, the verb should be singular too, and if the subject is plural, the verb should also be plural.

For example, “The cat jumps on the table” is an example of subject-verb agreement. The singular subject “cat” has a singular verb “jumps.” Similarly, the sentence “The cats jump on the table” is also an example of this agreement because the plural subject “cats” has a plural verb “jump.”

Why is Subject-Verb Agreement Important?

Subject-verb agreement is important because it helps readers understand what the writer intended to convey in a sentence. Writing with proper subject-verb agreement ensures that the sentence is grammatically correct and sensible.

Using incorrect subject-verb agreement can create confusion and miscommunication. For example, “The cats jumps on the table” is an example of incorrect subject-verb agreement. The singular verb “jumps” doesn`t agree with the plural subject “cats,” making the sentence illogical.

Tips for Ensuring Subject-Verb Agreement

Here are a few tips to help you ensure subject-verb agreement in your writing:

1. Identify the subject: Before choosing a verb, identify the subject of the sentence. This will help you choose the right verb that agrees with the subject in terms of number.

2. Watch out for compound subjects: Compound subjects, such as “cats and dogs,” can be tricky for subject-verb agreement. If the compound subject is joined by “and,” use a plural verb. However, if it is joined by “or” or “nor,” use a singular verb.

3. Be cautious with indefinite pronouns: Indefinite pronouns, such as “everyone” and “anybody,” can be problematic for subject-verb agreement. These pronouns are considered singular, so use a singular verb to agree.

4. Ignore phrases between the subject and verb: Sometimes, sentences have phrases between the subject and verb. Ignore them and focus on the subject-verb relationship in the main clause.

In conclusion, subject-verb agreement is an essential aspect of writing correct English. It enables writers to convey their message in a clear, concise, and grammatically correct manner. By understanding and mastering this rule, you can ensure that your writing communicates effectively and portrays you as a skilled writer.