Definition of Subject-Verb Agreement
Subject-verb agreement is a fundamental rule in English grammar requiring the verb in a sentence to match its subject in number (singular or plural) and person (first, second, or third). This alignment ensures grammatical correctness and clarity. For example, a singular subject like 'the cat' pairs with a singular verb form such as 'runs,' while a plural subject like 'the cats' uses 'run.'
Key Rules and Components
The core principles include matching singular subjects with singular verbs and plural subjects with plural verbs. Exceptions arise with collective nouns (e.g., 'team' can be singular or plural based on context), indefinite pronouns (e.g., 'everyone' is singular), and phrases that intervene between subject and verb, which do not affect agreement. Compound subjects joined by 'and' are typically plural, unless considered a single unit.
Practical Examples
Consider the sentence: 'The student studies hard.' Here, 'student' is singular, so 'studies' agrees. In plural form: 'The students study hard.' A common example with intervention: 'The box of chocolates is on the table,' where 'box' (singular) determines 'is,' ignoring 'of chocolates.' For indefinite pronouns: 'Each of the books has a cover,' treating 'each' as singular.
Importance and Applications
Subject-verb agreement is crucial for effective communication, preventing ambiguity and enhancing readability in writing and speech. It applies across academic essays, professional emails, and everyday conversations, helping learners avoid errors that can undermine credibility. Mastering it supports overall language proficiency and aligns with standard English conventions.