Subject-verb agreement is an essential aspect of grammar that is often overlooked. It refers to the agreement between the subject and the verb in a sentence, which means that the verb must match the subject in number, person, and tense. This agreement is crucial for effective communication and clarity in writing. In this article, we will discuss the rules of subject-verb agreement and provide examples to help you understand this grammar rule.

Rule 1: Singular subjects take singular verbs, and plural subjects take plural verbs.

Example: The cat runs fast. (Singular subject and singular verb)

The cats run fast. (Plural subject and plural verb)

Rule 2: When the subject is singular, and the verb`s present tense ends with “s,” the verb does not add “s” in the third person.

Example: He eats pizza every day. (Singular subject and verb without “s”)

She enjoys listening to music. (Singular subject and verb without “s”)

Rule 3: When the subject is plural, and the verb`s present tense ends with “s,” the verb adds “s” in the third person.

Example: They eat pizza every day. (Plural subject and verb with “s”)

The students study hard for their exams. (Plural subject and verb with “s”)

Rule 4: In sentences using the words “each,” “every,” “either,” “neither,” or “none,” the verb is singular.

Example: Each of the students has their own book. (Singular verb)

Every dog has its day. (Singular verb)

Rule 5: When using “either/or” or “neither/nor,” the verb agrees with the noun closest to the verb.

Example: Either the cat or the dog is responsible for the mess. (Singular verb)

Neither the teacher nor the students have arrived yet. (Plural verb)

Rule 6: In sentences that begin with “there” or “here,” the subject follows the verb.

Example: There are many people in the park. (Plural verb and subject)

Here is your new laptop. (Singular verb and subject)

Rule 7: In sentences that use collective nouns, the verb can be singular or plural, depending on the context.

Example: The team is practicing hard. (Singular verb)

The team are arguing about their strategy. (Plural verb)

In conclusion, understanding the rules of subject-verb agreement is crucial for effective communication and clarity in writing. By following these simple rules and reviewing the examples provided, you can improve your grammar skills and ensure that your writing is error-free. Always remember to check your writing for subject-verb agreement before submitting it for review or publication.