Which Sentence Has Correct Subject Verb Agreement

Which Sentence Has Correct Subject-Verb Agreement? Mastering the Basics and Beyond

Subject-verb agreement, a cornerstone of grammatical correctness, dictates that the verb in a sentence must agree in number (singular or plural) with its subject. While seemingly straightforward, mastering subject-verb agreement can be surprisingly complex, especially in sentences with intervening phrases, compound subjects, or collective nouns. This comprehensive guide will delve into the intricacies of subject-verb agreement, equipping you with the knowledge to confidently identify and correct errors in your writing.

Understanding the Fundamentals: Singular vs. Plural

At the heart of subject-verb agreement lies the understanding of singular and plural forms. A singular subject takes a singular verb, while a plural subject takes a plural verb.

Examples:

• Singular: The dog barks loudly.
• Plural: The dogs bark loudly.

The simplicity of these examples underscores the fundamental principle. However, complexities arise when we introduce more nuanced sentence structures.

Navigating the Complexities: Intervening Phrases and Clauses

One common source of confusion stems from intervening phrases or clauses placed between the subject and the verb. These phrases, while adding detail, do not alter the number of the subject. The verb must still agree with the subject, irrespective of the intervening elements.

Examples:

• Correct: The box of chocolates sits on the table. (The subject is "box," singular, thus the singular verb "sits" is correct.)
• Incorrect: The box of chocolates sit on the table.
• Correct: The student, along with her classmates, is preparing for the exam. (The subject is "student," singular, despite the intervening phrase.)
• Incorrect: The student, along with her classmates, are preparing for the exam.

Mastering Compound Subjects

Compound subjects, consisting of two or more subjects joined by conjunctions, present another layer of complexity. The agreement rule depends on the conjunction used.

Conjunction "and": When subjects are joined by "and," they generally take a plural verb.

Examples:

• Correct: My brother and sister are coming for dinner.
• Incorrect: My brother and sister is coming for dinner.

Exceptions: When a compound subject refers to a single entity or idea, it takes a singular verb.

Examples:

• Correct: Peanut butter and jelly is my favorite sandwich.
• Incorrect: Peanut butter and jelly are my favorite sandwich.

Conjunctions "or," "nor," "either...or," "neither...nor": When subjects are joined by "or," "nor," "either...or," or "neither...nor," the verb agrees with the subject closest to it.

Examples:

• Correct: Neither the cats nor the dog wants to go outside.
• Correct: Either the dog or the cats want to go outside.
• Incorrect: Neither the cats nor the dog want to go outside. (Incorrect because the verb doesn't agree with the subject closest to it)

Collective Nouns: A Special Case

Collective nouns (e.g., team, family, group, committee) refer to a group of individuals but are usually treated as singular subjects. However, if the focus is on the individual members of the group acting independently, a plural verb may be used.

Examples:

• Correct: The team is playing well. (Team acts as a single unit)
• Correct: The team are arguing amongst themselves. (Focus is on individual members acting separately)

Indefinite Pronouns: Singular or Plural?

Indefinite pronouns (e.g., anyone, everyone, someone, anybody, everybody, somebody, no one, 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.

However, some indefinite pronouns (e.g., both, few, many, several) are always plural and require plural verbs.

Examples:

• Correct: Many are called, but few are chosen.
• Incorrect: Many is called, but few are chosen.

Phrases and Clauses Beginning with "as well as," "in addition to," "along with," and "together with"

Phrases such as "as well as," "in addition to," "along with," and "together with" do not change the number of the subject. The verb agrees with the subject before these phrases.

Examples:

• Correct: The teacher, along with her students, is attending the conference.
• Incorrect: The teacher, along with her students, are attending the conference.

Dealing with Titles, Names, and Expressions: Singular Verbs

Titles of works, names of companies, and certain expressions are usually treated as singular and take singular verbs.

Examples:

• Correct: "The Lord of the Rings" is a classic fantasy novel.
• Correct: Google is a multinational technology company.

Amounts and Measurements: Singular or Plural?

Amounts of money, time, measurement, or weight generally take a singular verb.

Examples:

• Correct: Ten dollars is a fair price.
• Correct: Two years is a long time to wait.

Inverted Sentences: Subject After Verb

In inverted sentences, where the verb comes before the subject, finding the subject is crucial for correct agreement.

Examples:

• Correct: There are many reasons for this decision. (Subject: reasons)
• Correct: Here is your book. (Subject: book)

Advanced Scenarios: Relative Clauses and Subjunctive Mood

More advanced scenarios involve relative clauses and the subjunctive mood, which present additional subtleties to subject-verb agreement. These nuances are best addressed through extensive practice and further grammatical study.

Practical Tips for Mastering Subject-Verb Agreement

• Identify the subject: Clearly determine the subject of the sentence before selecting a verb.
• Ignore intervening phrases: Disregard phrases or clauses between the subject and verb when determining agreement.
• Pay close attention to compound subjects: Apply the rules of conjunctions correctly.
• Master collective nouns: Understand when to use singular or plural verbs with collective nouns.
• Review indefinite pronouns: Memorize which pronouns are singular and which are plural.
• Practice, practice, practice: Consistent practice through reading, writing, and editing will solidify your understanding.

Conclusion: The Importance of Accuracy

Correct subject-verb agreement is paramount for clear and effective communication. It not only enhances the grammatical accuracy of your writing but also reflects your attention to detail and professionalism. While the rules may seem complex at first, consistent practice and a focused understanding of the underlying principles will empower you to confidently navigate the intricacies of subject-verb agreement, ultimately elevating the quality of your written work. By diligently applying the principles outlined in this guide, you can confidently identify and correct subject-verb agreement errors, paving the way for clear, concise, and grammatically sound writing. Remember to always double-check your work and consult grammatical resources when in doubt. The journey to mastering subject-verb agreement is a worthwhile pursuit, leading to improved clarity and confidence in your writing.