subject (verb 1)

Introduction

Subject-verb agreement is a fundamental aspect of English grammar that ensures clarity and coherence in sentences. It refers to the grammatical rule that the subject and verb in a sentence must agree in number and person. This class note will cover the definitions, rules, examples, and common errors related to subject-verb agreement, along with practical exercises to reinforce your understanding.

1. Definition of Subject and Verb

a. Subject

The subject of a sentence is the noun, pronoun, or phrase that tells us who or what the sentence is about. It is typically the doer of the action or the main topic.

Examples:

• Noun as Subject: The dog barks.
• Pronoun as Subject: She runs every morning.
• Phrase as Subject: Reading books is enjoyable.

b. Verb

The verb expresses the action or state of being in a sentence. It is what the subject does or experiences.

Examples:

• Action Verb: The cat chases the mouse.
• Linking Verb: She is a doctor.

2. Basic Rules of Subject-Verb Agreement

a. Singular and Plural Subjects

1. Singular subjects take singular verbs.
   • Example: The teacher explains the lesson.
2. Plural subjects take plural verbs.
   • Example: The teachers explain the lessons.

b. Compound Subjects

When two or more subjects are joined by “and,” they typically take a plural verb.

• Example: The dog and cat are playing together.

However, when subjects are connected by “or” or “nor,” the verb agrees with the subject that is closest to it.

• Example: Either the manager or the employees are responsible for the errors.
• Example: Neither the students nor the teacher is available.

3. Special Cases in Subject-Verb Agreement

a. Collective Nouns

Collective nouns refer to a group of individuals or things, and they can take either singular or plural verbs depending on whether the group is acting as a single unit or as individuals.

• Singular: The team wins the championship. (acting as one unit)
• Plural: The team are wearing their new uniforms. (individual members)

b. Indefinite Pronouns

Indefinite pronouns refer to non-specific persons or things and can be singular or plural. The following are examples of commonly used indefinite pronouns:

• Singular: anyone, everyone, someone, no one
  • Example: Everyone is invited to the party.
• Plural: both, few, many, several
  • Example: Several were chosen for the project.

Some indefinite pronouns can be both singular and plural depending on the context:

• Example: All of the cake is gone. (singular)
• Example: All of the students are present. (plural)

4. Agreement with Titles and Quantities

a. Titles of Books, Movies, and Other Works

Titles of books, movies, or organizations are treated as singular, even if they appear plural.

• Example: “The Lord of the Rings is a popular movie.”

b. Quantities and Amounts

When expressing quantities, the verb usually agrees with the noun that follows.

• Example: Ten dollars is a reasonable price. (referring to the amount of money)
• Example: A couple of cars were parked outside. (referring to the cars)

5. Common Errors in Subject-Verb Agreement

1. Ignoring the Subject: Sometimes, the subject may be separated from the verb by other phrases or clauses, leading to confusion.
   • Incorrect: The bouquet of flowers were beautiful.
   • Correct: The bouquet of flowers was beautiful.
2. Misidentifying Compound Subjects: Be careful with subjects joined by “and” or “or.”
   • Incorrect: The teacher and the student is discussing the topic.
   • Correct: The teacher and the student are discussing the topic.
3. Using the Wrong Verb Form with Collective Nouns: Decide whether the group acts as a unit or as individuals.
   • Incorrect: The family are going on vacation.
   • Correct: The family is going on vacation.

6. Practical Exercises

To help reinforce your understanding of subject-verb agreement, try the following exercises:

Exercise 1: Identify the Error

Read the following sentences and identify any errors in subject-verb agreement:

1. The committee were pleased with their decision.
2. Each of the students have completed their assignment.
3. The flock of birds are flying south for the winter.
4. My brother and sister was at the concert.

Exercise 2: Correct the Sentences

Rewrite the following sentences to correct any subject-verb agreement errors:

1. The list of items are on the table.
2. The group of researchers was conducting experiments.
3. Either the teacher or the students are responsible for the misunderstanding.
4. Everyone in the class have submitted their projects.

7. Strategies for Mastery

1. Practice Regularly: Regular practice with exercises focusing on subject-verb agreement will enhance your skills.
2. Read Aloud: Reading your writing aloud can help you hear any errors in subject-verb agreement that may have been overlooked.
3. Use Grammar Resources: Websites and grammar books often provide exercises and explanations that can help reinforce your understanding.

8. Conclusion

Subject-verb agreement is a crucial aspect of English grammar that enhances the clarity and precision of your writing. By understanding the rules and nuances of agreement, you can improve your communication skills and avoid common errors. Practice consistently, and seek feedback to refine your mastery of subject-verb agreement.

Additional Resources

• Grammar Websites: Platforms like Purdue OWL and Grammarly provide explanations and exercises for subject-verb agreement.
• Writing Guides: Books focusing on English grammar can deepen your understanding and provide more examples.
• Peer Review: Collaborating with classmates to review each other’s writing can help identify subject-verb agreement issues.