Verb agreement with subjects is a fundamental aspect of English grammar that every language learner must master to communicate effectively. Whether you are writing an essay, speaking in a meeting, or simply having a conversation with friends, ensuring that your verbs agree with your subjects is crucial for clarity and correctness. In this article, we will delve into the rules of verb agreement with subjects, explore common pitfalls, and provide practical tips to help you improve your grammar skills.
Understanding Subject-Verb Agreement
Subject-verb agreement refers to the grammatical rule that the verb must agree in number with its subject. This means that a singular subject takes a singular verb, while a plural subject takes a plural verb. For example:
– The cat jumps over the fence. (Singular subject and singular verb)
– The cats jump over the fence. (Plural subject and plural verb)
However, English is filled with exceptions and special cases that can make subject-verb agreement challenging. Let’s explore these in more detail.
Basic Rules of Subject-Verb Agreement
1. **Singular and Plural Subjects**:
– Singular nouns and pronouns (he, she, it) take singular verbs:
– He runs every morning.
– The dog barks loudly.
– Plural nouns and pronouns (they, we) take plural verbs:
– They run every morning.
– The dogs bark loudly.
2. **Compound Subjects**:
– When a subject consists of two or more nouns or pronouns connected by “and,” it typically takes a plural verb:
– The teacher and the student discuss the project.
– However, if the compound subject is considered a single entity or unit, it takes a singular verb:
– Peanut butter and jelly is my favorite sandwich.
3. **Subjects Separated by Phrases**:
– Sometimes, phrases or clauses come between the subject and the verb. The verb should still agree with the main subject, not with the intervening phrase:
– The bouquet of roses smells wonderful.
– The student, along with her friends, is going to the library.
Special Cases in Subject-Verb Agreement
1. **Indefinite Pronouns**:
– Some indefinite pronouns are always singular, such as “everyone,” “someone,” “each,” “either,” and “neither”:
– Everyone enjoys the concert.
– Each of the cakes is delicious.
– Some indefinite pronouns are always plural, such as “few,” “many,” “several,” and “both”:
– Few know the answer.
– Both are correct.
– Some indefinite pronouns can be singular or plural depending on the context, such as “all,” “some,” “none,” and “any”:
– All of the cake is gone. (singular)
– All of the cakes are gone. (plural)
2. **Collective Nouns**:
– Collective nouns, which refer to groups of people or things, can take either singular or plural verbs depending on whether the group is being considered as a single unit or as individual members:
– The team is winning. (single unit)
– The team are arguing among themselves. (individual members)
3. **Subjects with “Or” and “Nor”**:
– When subjects are joined by “or” or “nor,” the verb should agree with the part of the subject closest to the verb:
– Neither the teacher nor the students know the answer.
– Either the students or the teacher is going to present.
Common Pitfalls and Tips
1. **Inverted Sentences**:
– In questions or sentences that start with “there” or “here,” the subject follows the verb. Ensure the verb agrees with the actual subject:
– Where are the keys?
– Here is the report you requested.
2. **Titles and Names**:
– Titles of books, movies, and other works, as well as the names of organizations or countries, are usually considered singular:
– The United States is a large country.
– “The Lord of the Rings” is a popular book series.
3. **Intervening Clauses**:
– Be cautious of clauses that come between the subject and verb; they do not affect the agreement:
– The car, which has many features, is expensive.
– The players, who are all professionals, have signed autographs.
Advanced Topics in Subject-Verb Agreement
1. **Subjects with Quantifiers**:
– When subjects are preceded by quantifiers like “a lot of,” “some of,” “half of,” the verb agreement depends on whether the quantifier refers to a countable or uncountable noun:
– A lot of the cake is gone. (uncountable)
– A lot of the cakes are gone. (countable)
2. **Subjects with Fractions**:
– When subjects are expressed as fractions, the verb agreement depends on whether the fraction refers to a singular or plural noun:
– Half of the cake is gone.
– Half of the cakes are gone.
3. **Subjects with Collective Nouns in Different Contexts**:
– Some collective nouns can be tricky as their verb agreement can change based on the context:
– The family is on vacation. (considered as a single unit)
– The family are having different opinions. (considered as individuals)
Practical Tips for Mastering Subject-Verb Agreement
1. **Identify the Subject and Verb**:
– Always identify the main subject and the main verb in a sentence. This will help you determine the correct verb form.
– Practice breaking down complex sentences into simpler components to find the subject and verb.
2. **Read Aloud**:
– Reading sentences aloud can help you hear whether the subject and verb agree. If something sounds off, double-check the subject-verb agreement.
3. **Use Grammar Checking Tools**:
– Utilize grammar checking tools and software to identify and correct subject-verb agreement errors. These tools can be particularly helpful when writing longer texts.
4. **Practice with Exercises**:
– Regularly practice subject-verb agreement exercises to reinforce your understanding of the rules. Many online resources offer free exercises and quizzes.
5. **Learn from Mistakes**:
– When you make a subject-verb agreement mistake, take the time to understand why it was incorrect. This will help you avoid similar errors in the future.
6. **Seek Feedback**:
– Ask teachers, peers, or native speakers for feedback on your writing and speaking. Constructive criticism can be invaluable for improving your grammar skills.
Examples and Exercises
Let’s solidify our understanding with some examples and exercises.
1. **Correct the following sentences**:
– The group of students are going to the museum.
– Each of the players have a unique skill set.
– Neither the manager nor the employees is aware of the changes.
2. **Choose the correct verb**:
– The jury (is/are) in deliberation.
– All of the information (is/are) accurate.
– Either the cats or the dog (has/have) made a mess.
3. **Identify the subject and correct the verb**:
– The bouquet of flowers on the table (smell/smells) wonderful.
– A number of students (was/were) late to class.
– The team, despite their differences, (is/are) performing well.
Answers:
1.
– The group of students is going to the museum.
– Each of the players has a unique skill set.
– Neither the manager nor the employees are aware of the changes.
2.
– The jury is in deliberation.
– All of the information is accurate.
– Either the cats or the dog has made a mess.
3.
– The bouquet of flowers on the table smells wonderful.
– A number of students were late to class.
– The team, despite their differences, is performing well.
Conclusion
Mastering verb agreement with subjects is essential for effective communication in English. While the basic rules are straightforward, the various exceptions and special cases can present challenges. By understanding the rules, practicing regularly, and seeking feedback, you can improve your subject-verb agreement skills. Remember, consistent practice and attention to detail are key to mastering this aspect of English grammar. Happy learning!
