When it comes to writing, one of the most important aspects to keep in mind is subject-verb agreement. It is essential to ensure that the subject and verb in a sentence agree in number to convey the intended meaning effectively. In this article, we’ll discuss 12 rules of subject-verb agreement, along with examples to help you understand better.

1. The verb should agree with the subject in number. If the subject is singular, the verb should also be singular, and if the subject is plural, the verb should also be plural.

Example: The cat sleeps on the couch.

2. When there are compound subjects joined by “and,” use a plural verb.

Example: Tom and Jerry are playing basketball.

3. When there are compound subjects joined by “or” or “nor,” use a verb that agrees with the subject closest to the verb.

Example: Neither the teacher nor the students are happy.

4. When there are collective nouns like group, team, committee, family use a singular verb if they are acting as a unit. But use a plural verb if they are acting individually.

Example: The team is playing well. (acting as a unit)

The committee are divided on the issue. (acting individually)

5. When the subject of a sentence is a fraction or a percentage, the verb agrees with the noun after “of.”

Example: One-third of the cake is gone.

6. For indefinite pronouns like everyone, nobody, anyone, use a singular verb.

Example: Everyone loves pizza.

7. When there are subjects with different numbers, use a verb that agrees with the subject closest to the verb.

Example: The book or the pens are on the table.

8. In sentences that begin with here or there, the verb should agree with the subject that comes after the verb.

Example: Here is the cake. (not Here are the cake)

9. When there are subjects connected by as well as, along with, in addition to, etc., the verb should agree with the first subject.

Example: The teacher, as well as the students, was happy.

10. In titles of books, movies, or other works, use a singular verb.

Example: “The Lord of the Rings” is an excellent book.

11. When there are subjects connected by either…or, neither…nor, use a singular verb if both the subjects are singular. But use a plural verb if both the subjects are plural.

Example: Either the cat or the dog is in the house.

Neither the cats nor the dogs are in the house.

12. When the subject is a proper noun that ends in an ‘s’, use a singular verb.

Example: James plays football.

Conclusion:

Subject-verb agreement is crucial in writing to avoid confusion and convey the intended meaning effectively. By following these 12 rules and examples, you can ensure that your sentences are grammatically correct and easy to understand. Always take a moment to ensure that the subject and verb in your sentences agree in number, and your writing will stand out for all the right reasons.