Subject verb agreement is a crucial aspect of standard English grammar. In order to write effectively, it`s essential to know the correct way to form sentences that follow the rules of subject verb agreement. Here are 20 rules of subject verb agreement in standard English with examples that will help you write more confidently.
1. A singular subject requires a singular verb.
Example: The cat jumps over the fence.
2. A plural subject requires a plural verb.
Example: The cats jump over the fence.
3. Collective nouns can be treated as either singular or plural.
Example: The team plays well together. The team members play well together.
4. Compound subjects joined by „and” require a plural verb.
Example: John and Jane play soccer together.
5. Compound subjects joined by „or” or „nor” require a verb that agrees with the subject closest to it.
Example: Neither the dog nor the cats like the new food.
6. Indefinite pronouns, such as „everyone” and „nobody,” require a singular verb.
Example: Everyone is here.
7. Subject-verb agreement applies even when the subject comes after the verb.
Example: Here comes the bus.
8. „Each” and „every” require a singular verb.
Example: Each student has a book.
9. Singular subjects joined by „or” or „nor” require a verb that agrees with the closest subject.
Example: Either the dog or the cat is going to the vet.
10. „Some” and „any” use a singular or plural verb depending on the object of the preposition.
Example: Some of the cake is gone. Some of the students are tardy.
11. „Neither” and „either” are always singular.
Example: Neither of the books is interesting. Either of the movies is fine.
12. When the subject is a fraction, use a singular verb.
Example: Half of the cake is gone.
13. Titles of books and movies are singular, even if the title contains plural words.
Example: The Lord of the Rings is an epic movie.
14. Make sure to use the correct singular or plural form of „there” or „here.”
Example: There are two apples left. Here is the book you wanted.
15. When a sentence begins with „there is” or „there are,” make sure the verb agrees with the subject.
Example: There are three cars in the driveway.
16. „The number” and „a number” both take a singular verb.
Example: The number of students in the class is 25. A number of people were there.
17. Titles of companies or organizations are singular.
Example: Apple is a technology company.
18. Words like „news” and „mathematics” are singular, even though they may refer to multiple subjects.
Example: The news is good today.
19. Collective nouns like „audience” and „class” can be treated as singular or plural.
Example: The audience gives a standing ovation. The class is silent.
20. When the subject is on the other side of the verb, make sure to invert the subject and verb.
Example: Never have I heard such beautiful music.
These 20 rules of subject verb agreement in standard English with examples are just the beginning. By mastering these rules, you`ll be able to write with confidence and clarity. With practice, they`ll become second nature, enabling you to focus on crafting powerful, persuasive copy that engages your readers and drives results.