As a copy editor, proper grammar is essential in content creation. One of the most fundamental rules of grammar is subject-verb agreement. This rule states that the subject and verb in a sentence must agree in number, meaning they both must be singular or plural. In this article, we will go over 30 rules of subject-verb agreement and provide examples of each.
1. Rule: A singular subject requires a singular verb.
Example: The cat meows at night.
2. Rule: A plural subject requires a plural verb.
Example: The dogs bark at the mailman.
3. Rule: When two or more singular subjects are connected by „and,“ use a plural verb.
Example: The boy and the girl are playing in the park.
4. Rule: When two or more singular subjects are connected by „or,“ use a singular verb that agrees with the subject closer to the verb.
Example: Either the cat or the dog needs to be fed.
5. Rule: When two or more plural subjects are connected by „or,“ use a plural verb.
Example: Either the cats or the dogs want to go outside.
6. Rule: When a compound subject contains both a singular and a plural noun or pronoun, the verb agrees with the closest subject.
Example: The book or the pens are on the desk.
7. Rule: When a compound subject contains both a singular and a plural noun or pronoun joined by „and,“ use a plural verb.
Example: My friends and I are going to the concert.
8. Rule: Indefinite pronouns like everyone, somebody, and each require singular verbs.
Example: Everyone is excited for the party.
9. Rule: Collective nouns like team, family, and staff may take a singular or plural verb, depending on whether they are acting as a unit or individuals.
Example: The team is celebrating its victory. (acting as a unit)
The team are arguing among themselves. (acting as individuals)
10. Rule: When a sentence starts with „there,“ the verb must agree with the noun that follows.
Example: There are eight flowers in the garden.
11. Rule: Titles of books, songs, and movies take a singular verb.
Example: „The Great Gatsby“ is a classic American novel.
12. Rule: Fractions and percentages take a singular verb when they are considered a single entity.
Example: One-third of the pizza is left.
13. Rule: Expressions like „a lot,“ „a majority,“ and „most“ take a singular verb.
Example: A lot of people are attending the concert.
14. Rule: When a sentence starts with „here“ or „there,“ the subject often comes later in the sentence. Make sure the verb agrees with the subject, not the word „here“ or „there.“
Example: Here comes the bus.
15. Rule: Words like „each,“ „every,“ and „either“ take a singular verb.
Example: Each of the students has a different idea.
16. Rule: When talking about distances, amounts of time, and sums of money, use a singular verb.
Example: Five miles is a long distance to walk.
17. Rule: When talking about more than one time period or amount, use a plural verb.
Example: Four years have passed since I graduated.
18. Rule: Words like „news,“ „mathematics,“ and „physics“ take a singular verb.
Example: Mathematics is my favorite subject.
19. Rule: Singular nouns ending in „s“ take a singular verb.
Example: The class begins at 8:30 a.m.
20. Rule: When a singular subject is modified by a phrase containing „with,“ use a singular verb.
Example: The team with the most points wins.
21. Rule: When the subject of the sentence is a collective noun referring to a group of people, use a plural verb.
Example: The faculty are discussing the new curriculum.
22. Rule: When the subject of the sentence is a collective noun referring to a group of animals, use a singular or plural verb depending on the context.
Example: The herd is grazing in the field. (acting as a unit)
The herd are running in different directions. (acting as individuals)
23. Rule: If the subject is a single word that refers to a group of people, use a plural verb.
Example: The police have arrived at the scene.
24. Rule: When talking about an amount of money, use a singular verb.
Example: $100 is a lot of money.
25. Rule: When a singular subject is modified by a phrase containing „one of,“ use a plural verb.
Example: One of the boys was absent.
26. Rule: When the subject of the sentence is an infinitive phrase, use a singular verb.
Example: To eat healthy is important.
27. Rule: When talking about a non-countable noun like „water“ or „furniture,“ use a singular verb.
Example: The furniture in the living room is old.
28. Rule: When the subject of the sentence is a gerund phrase, use a singular verb.
Example: Swimming is a great exercise.
29. Rule: When the subject of the sentence is a clause, use a singular or plural verb depending on the context.
Example: That he is successful surprises me. (singular)
That he and his friends are successful surprises me. (plural)
30. Rule: When the subject of the sentence is an „either/or“ or „neither/nor“ construction, use a singular verb that agrees with the subject closest to the verb.
Example: Neither the cat nor the dog is allowed on the couch.
In conclusion, subject-verb agreement is an essential rule in grammar, and it is important to follow it carefully to ensure clear communication. Keep these 30 rules and examples in mind when writing or editing, and you will be well on your way to creating content with impeccable grammar.