Subject-verb agreement is a fundamental grammatical principle ensuring that the subject and the main verb within a sentence match in number. This means if the subject of the sentence is singular, the verb must also be singular. Conversely, if the subject is plural, the verb must also be plural. Mastering this concept is crucial for clear, grammatically correct, and professional writing and speaking.
The Core Principle of Agreement
At its heart, subject-verb agreement is about maintaining consistency. Think of it as a dance between the subject (who or what is performing the action) and the verb (the action itself). They must move in sync.
- Singular Subject + Singular Verb: When your subject refers to one person, place, thing, or idea, your verb should take its singular form.
- Plural Subject + Plural Verb: When your subject refers to more than one person, place, thing, or idea, your verb should take its plural form.
Why Subject-Verb Agreement Matters
Proper agreement enhances the clarity and readability of your sentences. Without it, sentences can sound awkward, confusing, or even unprofessional. It's a cornerstone of standard English grammar that helps convey meaning precisely and avoid ambiguity.
Key Rules and Examples
Understanding specific rules can help navigate common pitfalls in subject-verb agreement.
1. Basic Singular and Plural
This is the most straightforward application of the rule.
| Subject (Number) | Verb (Number) | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| He (Singular) | runs (Singular) | He runs every morning. |
| They (Plural) | run (Plural) | They run every morning. |
| The cat (Singular) | sleeps (Singular) | The cat sleeps soundly. |
| The cats (Plural) | sleep (Plural) | The cats sleep soundly. |
2. Indefinite Pronouns
Some indefinite pronouns are always singular, while others are always plural. Some can be either, depending on the context.
- Always Singular: anyone, anybody, anything, everyone, everybody, everything, no one, nobody, nothing, someone, somebody, something, each, either, neither.
- Example: Everyone is here. Neither of the options is acceptable.
- Always Plural: both, few, many, several.
- Example: Both of the students excel at math. Many believe in the cause.
- Can be Singular or Plural (depend on the noun they refer to): all, any, most, none, some.
- Example (Singular): Some of the sugar was spilled. (Sugar is non-countable, thus singular)
- Example (Plural): Some of the students were late. (Students are countable, thus plural)
3. Collective Nouns
Collective nouns (e.g., team, committee, family, audience, group) can be singular or plural depending on whether they are acting as a single unit or as individuals.
- Singular: When the group acts as a single entity.
- Example: The team is ready for the game.
- Plural: When the individual members of the group are acting separately.
- Example: The team are debating among themselves.
4. Compound Subjects
When two or more subjects are joined, the verb's agreement depends on the conjunction used.
- Joined by "and": Usually plural.
- Example: John and Mary are studying.
- Joined by "or," "nor," "either...or," "neither...nor": The verb agrees with the subject closest to it.
- Example: Neither the students nor the teacher is prepared.
- Example: Neither the teacher nor the students are prepared.
5. Phrases Between Subject and Verb
Words or phrases that come between the subject and the verb do not affect agreement. Always identify the true subject.
- Example: The box of chocolates is on the table. (The subject is "box," not "chocolates")
- Example: The students, along with their professor, are attending the conference. (The subject is "students")
Practical Insights and Solutions
- Identify the True Subject: Before choosing a verb, always pinpoint the noun or pronoun that is performing the action.
- Ignore Intervening Phrases: Mentally remove any phrases that come between the subject and the verb (e.g., prepositional phrases like "of the books," "with her friends").
- Check for Inverted Sentences: In sentences where the subject comes after the verb (e.g., questions, sentences starting with "there is/are"), locate the subject first.
- Example: There are many reasons for this.
- Read Aloud: Sometimes, reading a sentence aloud can help you hear if the subject and verb sound awkward together.
By applying these rules and techniques, you can ensure your writing is always grammatically sound and clear. For more in-depth exploration of specific rules and tricky cases, resources like Purdue OWL offer extensive guides on subject-verb agreement: Purdue OWL - Subject-Verb Agreement.
