In the realm of language learning, mastering verb-subject agreement is a cornerstone of grammatical accuracy. Verb-subject agreement refers to the correct alignment between the subject of a sentence and its verb. This alignment ensures that sentences are not only grammatically correct but also clear and easily understood. For native English speakers, this might seem intuitive. However, for language learners, especially those whose native languages follow different grammatical rules, mastering this concept can be challenging. This article aims to demystify verb-subject agreement and provide comprehensive guidance for language learners.
Understanding Verb-Subject Agreement
At its core, verb-subject agreement means that the verb in a sentence must agree in number with its subject. If the subject is singular, the verb must be singular. Conversely, if the subject is plural, the verb must be plural. For example:
– The cat jumps over the fence. (singular subject “cat” and singular verb “jumps”)
– The cats jump over the fence. (plural subject “cats” and plural verb “jump”)
While this concept sounds simple, the complexity increases as sentences become more intricate.
Singular and Plural Subjects
The foundation of verb-subject agreement lies in distinguishing between singular and plural subjects. A singular subject refers to one entity, while a plural subject refers to more than one. Here are some basic rules:
1. **Regular Plurals**: Most nouns form their plural by adding an -s or -es. For example:
– The dog barks. (singular)
– The dogs bark. (plural)
2. **Irregular Plurals**: Some nouns have irregular plural forms that do not follow the standard -s or -es pattern. For example:
– The child plays. (singular)
– The children play. (plural)
3. **Uncountable Nouns**: Some nouns are uncountable and always take a singular verb, even though they may seem plural in nature. For example:
– The information is accurate.
– The furniture needs to be moved.
Compound Subjects
Compound subjects are subjects that are connected by conjunctions such as “and” or “or.” The rules for verb-subject agreement vary depending on the conjunction used.
1. **Compound Subjects with “And”**: When two singular subjects are joined by “and,” they typically take a plural verb. For example:
– The teacher and the student are talking.
2. **Compound Subjects with “Or” or “Nor”**: When singular subjects are joined by “or” or “nor,” the verb should agree with the subject closest to it. For example:
– Either the cat or the dog has to stay outside.
– Neither the students nor the teacher is available.
Indefinite Pronouns
Indefinite pronouns can be tricky because they can be singular, plural, or both, depending on the context. Here are some common rules:
1. **Always Singular**: Indefinite pronouns such as “everyone,” “someone,” “nobody,” and “each” always take a singular verb. For example:
– Everyone is invited to the party.
– Nobody knows the answer.
2. **Always Plural**: Indefinite pronouns like “few,” “many,” “several,” and “both” always take a plural verb. For example:
– Few have finished their homework.
– Both are going to the event.
3. **Singular or Plural**: Some indefinite pronouns such as “all,” “some,” “none,” and “most” can be singular or plural depending on what they refer to in the sentence. For example:
– Some of the cake is left. (referring to a singular noun “cake”)
– Some of the students are absent. (referring to a plural noun “students”)
Collective Nouns
Collective nouns refer to groups of individuals or things and can be singular or plural based on whether the group is being considered as a single unit or as individuals. Examples of collective nouns include “team,” “family,” “audience,” and “committee.”
1. **Singular Use**: When the group is considered a single entity, a singular verb is used. For example:
– The team is winning.
– The family has a new car.
2. **Plural Use**: When the group members are considered as individuals, a plural verb is used. For example:
– The team are arguing among themselves.
– The family have different opinions.
Special Cases and Exceptions
Titles and Names
When titles, names of books, movies, or other works are used as subjects, they take a singular verb even if they appear plural. For example:
– “The Chronicles of Narnia” is a popular book series.
– “Friends” is a famous TV show.
Numbers and Amounts
When numbers and amounts are used as subjects, their verb agreement can vary based on whether they are considered a single unit or individual items.
1. **Single Unit**: When considered a single unit, use a singular verb. For example:
– Ten dollars is a small amount.
– Five years is a long time.
2. **Individual Items**: When considered as individual items, use a plural verb. For example:
– Ten dollars were scattered on the ground.
– Five years have passed since we last met.
Inverted Sentences
In sentences where the subject follows the verb (often starting with “here” or “there”), ensure the verb still agrees with the subject. For example:
– There is a book on the table.
– Here are the keys you lost.
Relative Clauses
When dealing with relative clauses, the verb in the clause must agree with the antecedent of the relative pronoun. For example:
– She is one of the students who have passed the exam. (The antecedent “students” is plural)
– This is the only one of the cars that runs smoothly. (The antecedent “one” is singular)
Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
Intervening Phrases
Sometimes, additional phrases come between the subject and the verb, which can confuse the agreement. Always ensure the verb agrees with the main subject, not the intervening phrase. For example:
– The bouquet of flowers is beautiful. (The subject “bouquet” is singular)
– The students, along with their teacher, are going on a trip. (The subject “students” is plural)
Subjects Joined by “And” but Referring to a Single Entity
When two subjects joined by “and” refer to a single entity, they take a singular verb. For example:
– Bread and butter is my favorite breakfast.
Words that Appear Plural but are Singular
Certain words appear plural but are singular in meaning and thus take a singular verb. Examples include “news,” “mathematics,” “measles,” and “economics.” For example:
– The news is on at six o’clock.
– Mathematics is a difficult subject for some students.
Practical Exercises for Mastery
To solidify your understanding of verb-subject agreement, practice is essential. Here are some exercises to help you master this concept.
Exercise 1: Identify the Subject and Verb
Identify the subject and verb in the following sentences and ensure they agree:
1. The cat (subject) is (verb) sleeping on the mat.
2. The books (subject) are (verb) on the shelf.
3. Each of the students (subject) has (verb) a textbook.
Exercise 2: Choose the Correct Verb
Choose the correct verb in these sentences:
1. The bouquet of roses (is/are) on the table.
2. Neither the teacher nor the students (is/are) in the classroom.
3. Every one of the cookies (has/have) been eaten.
Exercise 3: Rewrite Incorrect Sentences
Rewrite the following sentences to correct the verb-subject agreement errors:
1. The team are playing well this season.
– The team is playing well this season.
2. Each of the players have their own locker.
– Each of the players has their own locker.
3. The news were surprising to everyone.
– The news was surprising to everyone.
Conclusion
Mastering verb-subject agreement is crucial for anyone learning English. It ensures that sentences are grammatically correct and clear, which is essential for effective communication. By understanding the basic rules, recognizing special cases, and practicing regularly, language learners can gain confidence and proficiency in using verb-subject agreement correctly. Remember, language learning is a journey, and every step taken towards mastering grammar brings you closer to fluency. Keep practicing, stay curious, and soon verb-subject agreement will become second nature.
