Subject-verb agreement

Definition

Subject-verb agreement is the grammatical rule that the subject of a sentence must agree in number with its verb. This means that a singular subject takes a singular verb, while a plural subject takes a plural verb, ensuring clarity and coherence in communication.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Subject-verb agreement helps prevent confusion in sentences and makes the meaning clear to readers or listeners.
2. In English, most present tense verbs add an 's' for singular subjects, while plural subjects use the base form of the verb.
3. When using compound subjects joined by 'and', the verb typically becomes plural; however, if joined by 'or' or 'nor', the verb agrees with the nearest subject.
4. Indefinite pronouns can be tricky; some are always singular (like 'everyone') while others are plural (like 'several'), so it’s essential to know their agreement rules.
5. Collective nouns can take either singular or plural verbs depending on whether the group acts as a single unit or as individuals.

Review Questions

• How does subject-verb agreement impact the clarity of a sentence?
  • Subject-verb agreement is crucial for clarity because it helps readers understand who is performing the action of the verb. When subjects and verbs agree in number, sentences flow better and convey their intended meaning without ambiguity. For example, 'The dog barks' clearly indicates that one dog is doing the barking, while 'The dogs bark' conveys that multiple dogs are involved. This distinction aids effective communication.
• In what ways do collective nouns complicate subject-verb agreement, and how can one determine which verb form to use?
  • Collective nouns can complicate subject-verb agreement because they may represent a group acting as one unit or individual members acting separately. For instance, 'The team wins' treats the team as a single entity, requiring a singular verb. However, in 'The team are arguing among themselves,' the focus is on individual actions within the group, calling for a plural verb. Understanding the context helps determine which form to choose.
• Evaluate how incorrect subject-verb agreement can affect writing style and reader perception.
  • Incorrect subject-verb agreement can significantly impact writing style and reader perception by creating confusion and undermining authority. When sentences contain mismatched subjects and verbs, it disrupts the reader's understanding and may lead them to question the writer's competence in grammar. This loss of credibility can distract from the intended message and diminish overall effectiveness in communication. Thus, maintaining proper agreement not only enhances clarity but also strengthens the writer's voice.

Related terms

Singular Subject: A subject that refers to one person, place, thing, or idea, requiring a singular verb form.

Plural Subject: A subject that refers to more than one person, place, thing, or idea, requiring a plural verb form.

Compound Subject: A subject consisting of two or more nouns or pronouns joined by a conjunction, which may affect the verb form based on whether the compound subject is considered singular or plural.