Subject-verb agreement is a critical concept in the English language, and it plays a crucial role in effective communication. The relationship between a subject and a verb is the cornerstone of any sentence, and if their agreement is disrupted, the meaning of the sentence can become unclear. One of the most common mistakes that people make when writing is not properly matching the subject and verb in their sentences. Therefore, it is essential to be familiar with subject-verb agreement lists to ensure that your writing is grammatically correct and effective.
Subject-verb agreement lists provide a comprehensive guide for writers to avoid mistakes by matching the subject and verb appropriately. The rule for subject-verb agreement is that the verb must agree with the subject in number; if the subject is singular, the verb must be singular. Similarly, if the subject is plural, the verb must be plural. Here are some examples of subject-verb agreement lists:
1. Singular subjects require singular verbs: The boy runs to school.
2. Plural subjects require plural verbs: The boys run to school.
3. Compound subjects connected by “and” require plural verbs: The boy and girl run to school.
4. Collective nouns require singular verbs: The herd of cows is grazing in the field.
5. Indefinite pronouns require singular or plural verbs, depending on the context: Each of the students was given a book. All of the books were returned.
6. Singular nouns ending in “s” (or “ss,” “x,” “z,” “ch,” or “sh”) require singular verbs: The bus arrives on time.
7. When the subject and the verb are separated by a phrase or clause, it is important to ensure that the verb agrees with the subject, not the object in the phrase or clause: The book, along with the pen, was on the table.
It is essential to note that subject-verb agreement can become more complicated in certain situations, such as with collective nouns and indefinite pronouns. Therefore, when in doubt, it is always better to consult a subject-verb agreement list to ensure grammatical correctness in your writing.
In conclusion, subject-verb agreement lists are a valuable resource for writers who want to ensure that their writing is grammatically correct and effective. By matching the subject and verb appropriately, you can create clear and easy-to-understand sentences that convey your intended meaning. Remember to refer to subject-verb agreement lists when in doubt and always proofread your work to ensure that your writing is accurate and error-free.
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