Subject And Verb Agreement Examples

Mastering Subject-Verb Agreement: A Comprehensive Guide with Examples

Subject-verb agreement, the cornerstone of grammatical accuracy, ensures that your verbs correctly reflect the number (singular or plural) of their subjects. While seemingly straightforward, mastering this concept requires understanding various nuances of English grammar. This comprehensive guide provides a clear explanation, numerous examples, and frequently asked questions to help you confidently navigate the complexities of subject-verb agreement. We'll explore common challenges and provide practical strategies to improve your writing accuracy.

Understanding the Basics: Singular and Plural Subjects

The fundamental rule of subject-verb agreement is simple: a singular subject takes a singular verb, and a plural subject takes a plural verb.

Examples:

• Singular: The dog barks loudly. (Singular subject "dog," singular verb "barks")
• Plural: The dogs bark loudly. (Plural subject "dogs," plural verb "bark")

This basic principle forms the foundation for all other rules. However, many factors can complicate this seemingly simple rule, making it crucial to understand the exceptions and complexities.

Common Challenges and Exceptions

Several situations present challenges to accurate subject-verb agreement. Let's explore some of the most common scenarios:

1. Intervening Phrases

Phrases placed between the subject and verb do not affect the agreement. The verb should still agree with the subject, not the words within the intervening phrase.

Examples:

• The cat, along with its kittens, is sleeping soundly. (The subject is "cat," which is singular.)
• My sister, as well as her friends, enjoys hiking. (The subject is "sister," which is singular.)

2. Compound Subjects Joined by "And"

Compound subjects joined by "and" are generally plural and require a plural verb.

Examples:

• My mother and father are celebrating their anniversary.
• Apples and oranges are my favorite fruits.

However, if the compound subject refers to a single entity, a singular verb is used.

Examples:

• Peanut butter and jelly is my go-to sandwich. (Peanut butter and jelly are considered a single item)
• Macaroni and cheese is a classic comfort food. (Macaroni and cheese is considered a single dish)

3. Compound Subjects Joined by "Or" or "Nor"

When compound subjects are joined by "or" or "nor," the verb agrees with the subject closest to it.

Examples:

• Neither the cats nor the dog is allowed inside. (The verb "is" agrees with the singular subject "dog".)
• Either the students or the teacher is responsible. (The verb "is" agrees with the singular subject "teacher".)

4. Collective Nouns

Collective nouns (e.g., team, family, group, committee) can be singular or plural depending on whether they refer to the group as a whole or to the individual members.

Examples:

• The team is practicing hard. (Team acting as a single unit)
• The team are arguing over strategy. (Team members acting individually)

The context often determines whether to use a singular or plural verb with collective nouns.

5. Indefinite Pronouns

Indefinite pronouns (e.g., everyone, someone, anyone, anybody, each, either, neither) are always singular and take singular verbs.

Examples:

• Everyone is invited to the party.
• Somebody has taken my pen.
• Neither of the options is appealing.

6. Subjects with "Every," "Each," or "No"

Words like "every," "each," or "no" followed by a noun always take a singular verb, even if the noun is plural.

Examples:

• Every student is expected to pass the exam.
• Each of the apples is ripe.
• No dogs are allowed in this park.

7. Amounts, Measurements, and Fractions

Treat amounts, measurements, and fractions as singular if they refer to a single unit. If the emphasis is on the individual parts, the verb can be plural.

Examples:

• Two-thirds of the pizza is gone. (Referring to the pizza as a whole)
• Two-thirds of the students are from out of state. (Referring to individual students)
• Ten dollars is a reasonable price.

8. Titles of Works

Titles of books, movies, songs, etc., are always treated as singular, even if the title itself contains a plural noun.

Examples:

• "The Chronicles of Narnia" is a fantastic series.
• "The Avengers" was a box office success.

9. Inverted Sentence Structure

In sentences with inverted structures (e.g., questions, sentences starting with "there"), the verb agrees with the subject that follows it.

Examples:

• There are many challenges ahead. (The subject "challenges" is plural.)
• Here comes the bus. (The subject "bus" is singular.)
• Is the dog barking? (The subject "dog" is singular.)

10. Relative Pronouns (Who, That, Which)

When using relative pronouns (who, that, which), the verb agrees with the antecedent (the noun the pronoun refers to).

Examples:

• The student who scored the highest is receiving a scholarship. (The antecedent is "student.")
• The students who scored the highest are receiving scholarships. (The antecedent is "students.")

Advanced Examples and Nuances

Let's delve into more complex scenarios that require a deeper understanding of subject-verb agreement principles.

1. Clauses with “that,” “which,” or “who”

If a sentence has a clause introduced by "that," "which," or "who," the verb in the clause agrees with the subject of the clause.

• The book, that contains many interesting facts, is a bestseller. (Verb "contains" agrees with the subject "book.")
• The teachers, who work diligently, are appreciated by their students. (Verb "work" agrees with the subject "teachers.")

2. Expressions of Quantity

The verb agrees with the noun following "a number of" or "the number of."

• A number of students are absent today. (Plural - focus on individual students)
• The number of students enrolled is increasing. (Singular - focus on the number itself)

3. Gerunds and Infinitives as Subjects

Gerunds (-ing words used as nouns) and infinitives (to + verb) are considered singular.

• Singing is my favorite hobby.
• To err is human.

4. Plural Nouns Ending in "-s" but Singular in Meaning

Some nouns ending in "-s" (e.g., news, measles, mumps) are always singular and take singular verbs.

• The news is good today.
• Measles is a contagious disease.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What happens when the subject is a phrase or clause?

A: The verb agrees with the head of the phrase or clause. Identify the main noun or pronoun within that phrase or clause. For instance, "The fact that he cheated is disappointing" - the subject is "fact," which is singular.

Q: How do I deal with sentences containing more than one subject?

A: If joined by “and,” they generally take a plural verb. If joined by “or” or “nor,” the verb agrees with the closest subject.

Q: Are there any common mistakes to watch out for?

A: Yes, be particularly careful with collective nouns, indefinite pronouns, and intervening phrases. These are common stumbling blocks.

Q: What resources can I use to improve my subject-verb agreement skills?

A: Plenty of online grammar resources, workbooks, and style guides offer further practice and explanation.

Conclusion: Practice Makes Perfect

Mastering subject-verb agreement is essential for clear and effective communication. While the basic rule is straightforward, understanding the nuances and exceptions requires consistent effort and practice. By actively engaging with examples and applying the principles outlined in this guide, you can significantly improve the accuracy and clarity of your writing. Remember, the key is practice and attention to detail. Consistent effort will enhance your grammatical skills and lead to more polished and professional writing. Pay close attention to the structure of your sentences, identify the true subject, and ensure your verb consistently reflects the number of that subject. With practice, you’ll confidently navigate the world of subject-verb agreement.