Subject-verb agreement is like a musical duet; it ensures that the subject and the verb in a sentence harmonize correctly. Just as singers must match their tones, subjects and verbs must agree in number (singular or plural) to create grammatically correct sentences.
Key Concepts:
Singular Subjects and Singular Verbs:
When the subject of a sentence is singular, the verb must also be singular.
Examples:
The cat jumps over the fence.
She plays the piano every day.
Plural Subjects and Plural Verbs:
When the subject of a sentence is plural, the verb must also be plural.
Examples:
The cats jump over the fence.
They play soccer on weekends.
Collective Nouns:
Collective nouns refer to a group of individuals, but they can take either a singular or plural verb depending on the context. If the group is seen as a single entity, a singular verb is used. If the focus is on individual members of the group, a plural verb is used.
Examples:
The team is winning the match. (Singular verb, treating the team as a single unit)
The team are celebrating their victory. (Plural verb, focusing on individual players)
Indefinite Pronouns:
Indefinite pronouns (e.g., everyone, somebody, nobody) are considered singular, and therefore, they require singular verbs.
Examples:
Everybody wants to be successful.
Nobody knows the answer.
Compound Subjects:
When two or more subjects are connected by “and,” they form a compound subject, and a plural verb is used.
Examples:
Tom and Jerry are good friends.
Apples and oranges are fruits.
Subject-Verb Agreement with “Or” and “Nor”:
When the subjects are connected by “or” or “nor,” the verb agrees with the subject closest to it.
Examples:
Neither the cat nor the dogs are allowed inside.
Either the manager or the employees is responsible for the project.
