As a copy editor, one of the most important grammar rules that I come across frequently is the rule of subject-verb agreement. It refers to the agreement between the subject and the verb in a sentence, which means that the verb must match the number and person of the subject. In simpler terms, if the subject is singular, the verb should also be singular, and if the subject is plural, the verb should be plural too.

General Rule

The general rule for subject-verb agreement is straightforward. It states that a singular subject requires a singular verb, and a plural subject requires a plural verb. Let`s look at some examples:

Singular Subject: The boy runs to the store.

Plural Subject: The boys run to the store.

In the first example, the subject is singular, so the verb is also singular. In the second example, the subject is plural, so the verb is also plural.

However, there are some cases where it may be a bit more complicated. For example:

Collective Nouns: The team is winning.

Compound Subjects: The cake and the ice cream taste delicious.

Indefinite Pronouns: Anyone is welcome to attend.

With collective nouns such as team, group, or committee, the verb can be either singular or plural, depending on the context. If the emphasis is on the group acting as a whole, then a singular verb is used. For example, “The team is working hard to win the championship.” If the emphasis is on the individuals within the group, then a plural verb is used. For example, “The team are arguing about who should play in the next game.”

In compound subjects, the rule is that if the subjects are joined by “and,” then a plural verb is used. For example, “The cake and the ice cream taste delicious.” If the subjects are joined by “or,” then the verb agrees with the subject that is closest to it. For example, “Either the cake or the ice cream tastes delicious.”

Finally, with indefinite pronouns such as anyone, someone, or nobody, a singular verb is used. For example, “Anyone is welcome to attend.”

Conclusion

In conclusion, subject-verb agreement is an essential grammar rule that should be followed to ensure that sentences are clear, concise, and grammatically correct. It is important to understand the general rule of subject-verb agreement and the exceptions that may apply to certain situations. By paying attention to subject-verb agreement, you can improve the readability and professionalism of your written content.