What Is Verb Agreement Rules

Verb Agreement Rules: Understanding the Basics

When it comes to writing, one of the most important aspects to keep in mind is verb agreement. This refers to the proper matching of the subject and verb in a sentence. Verb agreement is crucial because it helps clarify the meaning of the sentence and ensures that it is grammatically correct. In this article, we’ll delve into the basics of verb agreement rules and provide some helpful tips to improve your writing.

What is Verb Agreement?

Verb agreement, also known as subject-verb agreement, is the agreement between the subject and the verb in a sentence. It is essential to ensure that the verb matches the subject in number and person. When the subject is singular, the verb must also be singular, and when the subject is plural, the verb must also be plural.

For example, “The cat jumps over the fence” is correct because “cat” is a singular subject, and “jumps” is a singular verb. On the other hand, “The cats jump over the fence” is also correct because “cats” is a plural subject, and “jump” is a plural verb.

Subject-Verb Agreement Rules

There are a few specific rules to keep in mind when it comes to subject-verb agreement. Here are a few of the most important ones:

1. Singular subjects require singular verbs

When the subject is singular, the verb must also be singular. For example, “The dog barks” is correct because “dog” is singular, and “barks” is singular.

2. Plural subjects require plural verbs

When the subject is plural, the verb must also be plural. For example, “The dogs bark” is correct because “dogs” is plural, and “bark” is plural.

3. Compound subjects joined by “and” require a plural verb

When a sentence has two or more subjects joined by “and,” the verb must be plural. For example, “Mary and John are studying” is correct because “Mary” and “John” are plural, and “are” is plural.

4. When a singular and a plural subject are joined by “or,” the verb agrees with the subject closest to it.

For example, “Either the cat or the dogs bark” is correct because “dogs” is plural, and “bark” is plural.

5. When a collective noun is used, it depends on the usage of the noun whether the verb should be singular or plural.

For example, “The team is practicing” is correct because “team” is a collective noun, and “is” is singular. However, “The team are arguing” is also correct because “team” is a collective noun that can be considered as a group of individuals who are arguing.

Tips for Improving Verb Agreement

Now that we’ve covered the basic rules of verb agreement, here are a few tips to help improve your writing:

1. Identify the subject of the sentence.

Before you start writing your sentence, identify the subject to determine whether it is singular or plural. This will help you choose the correct verb.

2. Practice, practice, practice.

Practice writing sentences with different subjects and verbs to improve your understanding of verb agreement.

3. Read aloud.

Reading your sentences aloud can help you catch any mistakes in verb agreement that might not be as obvious when reading silently.

4. Use grammar tools.

There are various online grammar tools that can help you identify any errors in your verb agreement. You can use these tools to help you improve your writing.

In conclusion, subject-verb agreement is a crucial aspect of writing that helps to ensure that your sentences are grammatically correct and easy to understand. By following the basic rules and practicing your writing, you can improve your verb agreement and take your writing to the next level.