Subject-verb agreement is a crucial grammar rule that all English language learners must master. It is the agreement between the subject and the verb in a sentence. The subject is the person or thing that performs the action, while the verb describes the action. The agreement between these two elements is essential for clear and correct communication in English.
ESL students often struggle with subject-verb agreement because it can be challenging to remember the correct form of the verb with different subjects. However, this rule is crucial in ensuring that sentences are grammatically correct and convey the intended meaning.
Here are a few important guidelines to remember about subject-verb agreement:
1. Singular subjects take singular verbs, while plural subjects take plural verbs.
Example: The cat eats the fish. (singular subject and singular verb)
The cats eat the fish. (plural subject and plural verb)
2. When a subject is composed of two or more nouns or pronouns connected by „and,“ use a plural verb.
Example: John and Mary are going to the party.
3. When the subject is separated by „or“ or „nor,“ use a verb that matches the subject closest to the verb.
Example: Neither the teacher nor the students were excited about the project.
4. Use a singular verb when a subject follows „each“ or „every.“
Example: Each student in the class is required to complete the assignment.
5. For collective nouns, use a singular verb when referring to the group as a whole and a plural verb when referring to its individual members.
Example: The team is practicing for their next game. (singular verb agreeing with the team as a whole)
The team are putting on their uniforms. (plural verb agreeing with individual members of the team)
Understanding subject-verb agreement is crucial for any learner of the English language. It can improve your writing skills and enhance your ability to communicate effectively. By following these guidelines, you can master subject-verb agreement and improve your overall fluency in English.