Select The Sentence That Has The Correct Subject/verb Agreement

Subject-Verb Agreement: Mastering the Grammar Basics

Subject-verb agreement is a fundamental grammatical concept that dictates that a sentence's subject and verb must agree in number. This means that a singular subject requires a singular verb, and a plural subject requires a plural verb. While seemingly simple, mastering subject-verb agreement can be tricky due to numerous exceptions and nuances. This comprehensive guide will delve into the intricacies of subject-verb agreement, providing clear explanations, examples, and strategies to help you confidently identify and correct errors.

Understanding the Basics: Singular vs. Plural

Before diving into complex scenarios, let's solidify the core principle: singular subjects take singular verbs, and plural subjects take plural verbs.

Examples:

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

This seems straightforward, but complications arise when we introduce intervening phrases, compound subjects, collective nouns, and indefinite pronouns. Let's explore these complexities.

Intervening Phrases: Don't Be Fooled!

Phrases placed between the subject and the verb don't change the verb's number. Ignore these phrases when determining subject-verb agreement.

Examples:

• Correct: The box of chocolates sits on the table. (The intervening phrase "of chocolates" doesn't affect the singular subject "box.")
• Incorrect: The box of chocolates sit on the table.
• Correct: The team, despite their differences, plays well together. (The intervening phrase "despite their differences" doesn't affect the singular subject "team" – often treated as a singular collective noun.)
• Incorrect: The team, despite their differences, play well together.

Compound Subjects: Joining Forces

Compound subjects joined by "and" usually take a plural verb.

Examples:

• Correct: My brother and sister are going to the movies.
• Incorrect: My brother and sister is going to the movies.

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

Examples:

• Correct: Peanut butter and jelly is my favorite sandwich. (Peanut butter and jelly are considered a single item)
• Incorrect: Peanut butter and jelly are my favorite sandwich.

Subjects Joined by "or" or "nor": The Closest Counts

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

Examples:

• Correct: Neither the cats nor the dog is allowed inside. (The verb "is" agrees with the singular subject "dog.")
• Correct: Neither the dog nor the cats are allowed inside. (The verb "are" agrees with the plural subject "cats.")

Collective Nouns: Unity or Multiplicity?

Collective nouns (e.g., team, family, group, committee) can be singular or plural depending on whether the noun refers to the group as a single unit or its individual members.

Examples:

• Singular: The team is practicing for the championship game. (Team acting as a single unit)
• Plural: The team are arguing about their strategies. (Emphasis on individual team members)

Generally, if the collective noun functions as a cohesive unit, use a singular verb. If the focus is on the individual members of the group, use a plural verb. Context is key!

Indefinite Pronouns: A Matter of Number

Indefinite pronouns (e.g., someone, anyone, everyone, no one, somebody, anybody, everybody, nobody, each, either, neither) are always singular and take singular verbs.

Examples:

• Correct: Everyone is invited to the party.
• Incorrect: Everyone are invited to the party.
• Correct: Nobody wants to do the dishes.
• Incorrect: Nobody want to do the dishes.

However, pronouns like both, few, many, and several are always plural and require plural verbs.

Examples:

• Correct: Both of my sisters are doctors.
• Incorrect: Both of my sisters is a doctor.
• Correct: Many people attend the annual conference.
• Incorrect: Many people attends the annual conference.

Pronouns like some, any, none, all, and most can be either singular or plural depending on their antecedent (the noun they refer to).

Examples:

• Singular: Some of the cake is left. (Referring to a portion of the cake)
• Plural: Some of the cakes are left. (Referring to multiple cakes)

Titles, Phrases, and Clauses as Subjects: The Heart of the Matter

Titles of books, movies, or songs, as well as phrases or clauses, are always treated as singular and take singular verbs.

Examples:

• Correct: "The Great Gatsby" is a classic novel.
• Incorrect: "The Great Gatsby" are a classic novel.
• Correct: That he lied is obvious. (The clause "that he lied" is singular.)
• Incorrect: That he lied are obvious.

The Case of "I" and "You": Special Treatment

The pronouns "I" and "you" are always singular but take plural verb forms. This is a grammatical quirk.

Examples:

• Correct: I am going to the store.
• Incorrect: I is going to the store.
• Correct: You are a great friend.
• Incorrect: You is a great friend.

Amounts and Measurements: Consider the Whole

Amounts of money, time, or measurements are usually considered singular and take singular verbs unless the focus is on the multiple units within the whole.

Examples:

• Correct: Five dollars is a small price to pay.
• Incorrect: Five dollars are a small price to pay.
• Correct: Ten years have passed since we last met. (Focus on the individual years passing)

Inverted Sentences: Subject-Verb Agreement Backwards

In inverted sentences (where the verb comes before the subject), the subject-verb agreement rule still applies. Be careful to identify the subject correctly.

Examples:

• Correct: There are many reasons for this decision. (Subject is "reasons")
• Correct: Here comes the parade. (Subject is "parade")

Exercises to Strengthen Your Skills

Now, let's test your understanding with a few practice exercises. Select the sentence with correct subject-verb agreement in each pair.

Exercise 1:

a) The flock of birds soar over the mountains. b) The flock of birds soars over the mountains.

Answer: b) The flock of birds soars over the mountains.

Exercise 2:

a) Neither the students nor the teacher were prepared for the quiz. b) Neither the students nor the teacher was prepared for the quiz.

Answer: b) Neither the students nor the teacher was prepared for the quiz.

Exercise 3:

a) Everyone in the class are excited about the field trip. b) Everyone in the class is excited about the field trip.

Answer: b) Everyone in the class is excited about the field trip.

Exercise 4:

a) The committee have decided on a new course of action. b) The committee has decided on a new course of action.

Answer: b) The committee has decided on a new course of action. (Committee acting as a single unit).

Exercise 5:

a) Ten dollars is a lot of money for a child. b) Ten dollars are a lot of money for a child.

Answer: a) Ten dollars is a lot of money for a child.

Conclusion: Mastering Subject-Verb Agreement for Clear Communication

Subject-verb agreement is essential for clear and effective communication. By understanding the rules and practicing their application, you can significantly enhance the quality of your writing and avoid common grammatical errors. Remember to focus on the true subject of the sentence, ignoring intervening phrases and carefully considering the number of compound, collective, and indefinite pronouns. With consistent practice, you will become confident in identifying and correcting subject-verb agreement errors, thereby refining your writing skills. Continue to review these rules and practice identifying subjects and verbs in different sentence structures to further improve your grammar proficiency. This diligent practice will translate into clearer, more impactful written communication.