Subject-verb agreement is an important grammar concept that every writer should master. It refers to the grammatical rule that dictates the agreement in number between the subject and its verb in a sentence. Thus, when the subject is singular, the verb should be singular, and when the subject is plural, the verb should be plural.
In this article, we will explore some examples of subject-verb agreement in singular and plural forms.
Singular Examples:
1. The cat runs fast. In this example, the subject « cat » is singular, and the verb « runs » is also singular.
2. The car needs a new tire. In this example, the subject « car » is singular, and the verb « needs » is also singular.
3. He takes his coffee black. In this example, the subject « he » is singular, and the verb « takes » is also singular.
4. The apple tastes sweet. In this example, the subject « apple » is singular, and the verb « tastes » is also singular.
5. The teacher teaches math. In this example, the subject « teacher » is singular, and the verb « teaches » is also singular.
Plural Examples:
1. The cats run fast. In this example, the subject « cats » is plural, and the verb « run » is also plural.
2. The cars need new tires. In this example, the subject « cars » is plural, and the verb « need » is also plural.
3. They take their coffee black. In this example, the subject « they » is plural, and the verb « take » is also plural.
4. The apples taste sweet. In this example, the subject « apples » is plural, and the verb « taste » is also plural.
5. The teachers teach math. In this example, the subject « teachers » is plural, and the verb « teach » is also plural.
It is important to note that subject-verb agreement is not always straightforward. There are many exceptions and special cases to consider, such as collective nouns, indefinite pronouns, and compound subjects.
In conclusion, mastering subject-verb agreement is essential for clear and effective writing. By understanding the proper agreement in number between the subject and its verb, writers can avoid confusing and ambiguous sentences and ensure that their message is conveyed accurately.
