Mastering Subject-Verb Agreement: A Guide to Polishing Your English

Introduction

In the realm of English grammar, few concepts are as foundational and yet as commonly misunderstood as subject-verb agreement. You've likely encountered instances where the harmony between subjects and verbs seems to falter, leading to awkward and incorrect sentences like "hills are there," "market is there," or "shops is there."

Fear not, for in this lesson, we'll delve into the rules governing subject-verb agreement and provide you with clear examples to ensure your sentences resonate with grammatical precision.

Rule 1: Singular Subjects Require Singular Verbs

When your subject stands alone as a singular entity, your verb should mirror this singular nature. Consider the following example:

Incorrect: The market are crowded on Saturdays.

Correct: The market is crowded on Saturdays.

In this instance, "market" is singular, so the verb "is" must also be singular to maintain agreement.

Rule 2: Plural Subjects Demand Plural Verbs

Conversely, when your subject encompasses multiple entities, your verb should reflect this plurality. Let's examine another example:

Incorrect: Shops is closed on Sundays.

Correct: Shops are closed on Sundays.

Here, "shops" represents multiple entities, necessitating the plural verb "are" for agreement.

Rule 3: Beware of Indefinite Pronouns

Indefinite pronouns, such as "everyone," "someone," or "everything," can present a challenge in subject-verb agreement. Treat them as singular entities, even though they may imply multiple individuals. Take a look:

Incorrect: Everyone are responsible for their own actions.

Correct: Everyone is responsible for their own actions.

Despite the implicit plurality within "everyone," the subject is considered singular, requiring the singular verb "is."

Rule 4: Ignore Intervening Phrases

Occasionally, phrases or clauses may interrupt the subject-verb agreement within a sentence. However, these interruptions should not alter the agreement between the subject and verb. Let's illustrate:

Incorrect: The collection of books on the shelf are diverse.

Correct: The collection of books on the shelf is diverse.

Although "of books on the shelf" interrupts the subject, the singular noun "collection" dictates the singular verb "is."

Rule 5: Maintain Agreement in Compound Subjects

When two or more subjects are connected by "and," they generally form a plural subject, necessitating a plural verb. Observe:

Incorrect: Bread and butter is essential for breakfast.

Correct: Bread and butter are essential for breakfast.

Both "bread" and "butter" are subjects here, linked by "and," thus requiring the plural verb "are."

Conclusion

In conclusion, mastering subject-verb agreement is paramount for clear and effective communication in English. By adhering to these rules and examples, you can ensure that your sentences resonate with grammatical precision, free from the discord of mismatched subjects and verbs.

Try this exercise to test your grammar.

Language Level