Subject and verb agreement is one of the most important grammar rules in the English language that writers need to master. The agreement between subject and verb is crucial because it makes sentences clear and easy to read, prevents confusion, and enhances the overall quality of the text. In this article, we will explore subject and verb agreement using example sentences to help you better understand how to apply this crucial grammar rule in your writing.
What Is Subject-Verb Agreement?
Subject-verb agreement means that the subject and verb in a sentence must agree in terms of number, tense, and form. In other words, if the subject is singular, the verb should be singular too. Similarly, if the subject is plural, the verb should also be plural. The verb should also agree with the tense and form of the subject.
Examples
To illustrate subject-verb agreement, here are some examples:
1. Incorrect: The dog walks in the park.
Correct: The dog walks in the park.
In this example, the subject “dog” is singular, so the verb should also be singular “walks”.
2. Incorrect: My brother and sister love to play basketball.
Correct: My brother and sister love to play basketball.
In this example, the subject “brother and sister” is plural, so the verb should also be plural “love”.
3. Incorrect: The cat and the dog was playing together.
Correct: The cat and the dog were playing together.
In this example, the subject “cat and dog” is plural, so the verb should also be plural “were”.
4. Incorrect: She have a lot of books.
Correct: She has a lot of books.
In this example, the subject “she” is singular, so the verb should also be singular “has”.
5. Incorrect: They is waiting for us.
Correct: They are waiting for us.
In this example, the subject “they” is plural, so the verb should also be plural “are”.
Tips for Subject-Verb Agreement
Here are some tips to help you improve your subject-verb agreement when writing:
1. Identify the subject of your sentence and make sure it agrees with the verb in terms of number, tense, and form.
2. Pay attention to compound subjects (subjects that consist of more than one noun or pronoun) and make sure the verb agrees with the entire subject.
3. Be careful with indefinite pronouns like “everyone,” “someone,” “anyone,” and “nobody,” which are singular and should be paired with singular verbs.
4. When in doubt, read your sentence out loud to see if it sounds right.
Final Thoughts
Subject-verb agreement is a fundamental grammar rule that every writer should master. By applying this rule, you can make your writing clear, concise, and easy to read. Use the examples and tips provided in this article to enhance your writing and get one step closer to becoming a better writer.