Verb Agreement Singular Plural: A Guide for Writers
Verb agreement refers to the proper matching of the verb form with its subject in a sentence. The subject of a sentence can be singular or plural, and it is essential to use the corresponding verb form to avoid grammatical errors. In this guide, we’ll discuss the rules of verb agreement for singular and plural subjects and provide examples to help writers improve their writing skills.
Singular Subjects
A singular subject takes a singular verb form. Here are some examples:
– The dog barks at the mailman every day.
– The teacher is giving a lecture on history.
– My sister always wears her hair in a ponytail.
If the subject is a collective noun, it can be singular or plural, depending on the context. For example:
– The team is playing well this season. (singular)
– The team are arguing among themselves. (plural)
When the subject is an indefinite pronoun, such as anyone, someone, everyone, or nobody, the verb form is singular:
– Someone is knocking at the door.
– Nobody wants to go to that party.
Plural Subjects
A plural subject takes a plural verb form. Here are some examples:
– The dogs bark at the mailman every day.
– The teachers are giving lectures on history.
– My sisters always wear their hair in ponytails.
When a compound subject is connected by the coordinating conjunctions and, or, or nor, the verb form is plural:
– Tom and Jerry are playing basketball in the park.
– Neither the students nor the teachers are happy with the new schedule.
If the subject is a collective noun referring to a group of individuals, the verb form can be singular or plural, depending on the context:
– The audience is clapping their hands. (plural)
– The audience is enjoying the concert. (singular)
When the subject is an indefinite pronoun, such as some, many, or several, the verb form is plural:
– Many people are worried about the economy.
– Several students have failed their exams.
Tricky Cases
Some subjects can be tricky to determine whether they are singular or plural, such as:
– Each student must bring their own calculator. (incorrect)
– Each student must bring his or her own calculator. (correct)
When the subject is joined by or, the verb agrees with the closer subject:
– Neither Mary nor her sisters want to go to the party. (plural)
– Neither her sisters nor Mary wants to go to the party. (singular)
Conclusion
Verb agreement is essential to ensure clear and effective communication in writing. By following the rules of verb agreement, writers can avoid grammatical mistakes and convey their message more accurately. Remember, a singular subject takes a singular verb form, while a plural subject takes a plural verb form. Be mindful of the tricky cases, and always proofread your work to catch any errors. With practice, you can master verb agreement and improve your writing skills.