Which Sentence Uses Correct Subject Verb Agreement

Which Sentence Uses Correct Subject-Verb Agreement? Mastering Grammatical Harmony

Subject-verb agreement, a cornerstone of grammatical correctness, dictates that a sentence's verb must agree in number (singular or plural) with its subject. This seemingly simple rule often presents challenges, especially with complex sentence structures or tricky exceptions. Mastering subject-verb agreement significantly enhances the clarity and professionalism of your writing, boosting credibility and readability. This comprehensive guide will delve into the intricacies of subject-verb agreement, providing clear explanations, practical examples, and helpful tips to ensure grammatical accuracy in your writing.

Understanding the Fundamentals of Subject-Verb Agreement

At its core, subject-verb agreement is about matching the form of the verb to the number of the subject. If the subject is singular, the verb should be singular; if the subject is plural, the verb should be plural.

Example:

• Correct: The dog barks loudly. (Singular subject, singular verb)

• Incorrect: The dog bark loudly.

• Correct: The dogs bark loudly. (Plural subject, plural verb)

• Incorrect: The dogs barks loudly.

This fundamental principle forms the basis for all subsequent rules and exceptions. Let's explore some common scenarios that often cause confusion.

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

While the basic rule is straightforward, several situations can complicate subject-verb agreement. Let's address these challenges one by one:

1. Intervening Phrases: Don't be Distracted!

Phrases or clauses placed between the subject and the verb can sometimes obscure the true subject. These intervening phrases are often prepositional phrases (starting with "of," "with," "in," etc.) or participial phrases (beginning with a verb ending in "-ing" or "-ed"). Ignore these phrases when determining subject-verb agreement.

Example:

• Correct: The basket of apples sits on the table. (The subject is "basket," which is singular.)

• Incorrect: The basket of apples sit on the table.

• Correct: The teacher, along with her students, is attending the conference. (The subject is "teacher," which is singular.)

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

2. Compound Subjects: "And" vs. "Or"

Compound subjects joined by "and" are generally plural.

Example:

• Correct: John and Mary are going to the party.

However, if the compound subject refers to a single entity, it takes a singular verb.

Example:

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

With compound subjects joined by "or" or "nor," the verb agrees with the subject closest to it.

Example:

• Correct: Neither the cats nor the dog is allowed on the furniture.
• Correct: Either the dog or the cats are responsible for the mess.

3. Collective Nouns: Unity or Multiplicity?

Collective nouns (like team, family, group, committee) can be either singular or plural depending on whether they refer to the group as a single unit or to the individual members.

Example:

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

The context often dictates the appropriate verb choice. Consider the emphasis: unity or multiplicity?

4. Indefinite Pronouns: Singular or Plural?**

Indefinite pronouns (like each, everyone, someone, anybody, no one) are always singular and take singular verbs.

Example:

• Correct: Everyone is expected to participate.
• Incorrect: Everyone are expected to participate.

However, some indefinite pronouns (like some, any, none, all) can be singular or plural depending on the noun or pronoun they refer to.

Example:

• Correct: Some of the cake is missing. (Cake is singular)
• Correct: Some of the apples are rotten. (Apples are plural)

5. Subjects with Titles, Names, or Phrases: Focus on the Core

When the subject is a title, name, or a phrase, focus on the core noun determining the verb's number.

Example:

• Correct: "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" is a classic novel. (The core noun is "Adventures," singular)
• Correct: The United States is a large country. (The core noun is "States," singular)

6. Inverted Sentences: Reorder for Clarity

Inverted sentences, where the verb comes before the subject, sometimes obscure subject-verb agreement. Reordering the sentence can help.

Example:

• Correct (inverted): There are many challenges.

• Correct (reordered): Many challenges are there.

• Correct (inverted): Here comes the parade.

• Correct (reordered): The parade comes here.

7. "Who," "That," and "Which": Agreement with Antecedent

Relative pronouns like "who," "that," and "which" take verbs that agree with their antecedents (the nouns they refer to).

Example:

• Correct: The student who is always prepared succeeds. ("Student" is singular)
• Correct: The students who are always prepared succeed. ("Students" is plural)

8. Fractional Expressions: Context Matters

Fractional expressions (like one-half, two-thirds, a majority) can take either a singular or plural verb depending on the noun they modify.

Example:

• Correct: One-third of the population is unemployed. (Population is singular)
• Correct: Two-thirds of the apples are spoiled. (Apples are plural)

Advanced Subject-Verb Agreement Scenarios and Exceptions

Beyond the common challenges, certain grammatical constructs require careful attention to maintain subject-verb agreement.

1. Gerunds and Infinitives as Subjects: Singular Verbs

Gerunds (-ing form of the verb used as a noun) and infinitives (to + verb) always take singular verbs when used as the subject of a sentence.

Example:

• Correct: Reading is a great hobby.
• Correct: To travel the world is my dream.

2. Expressions of Quantity: Singular or Plural?

Expressions of quantity (e.g., a number of, the number of, a lot of, plenty of) require careful consideration.

• "A number of" is plural. Example: A number of students are absent.
• "The number of" is singular. Example: The number of students is surprisingly high.

3. Units of Measurement: Generally Singular

Units of measurement (e.g., five dollars, ten pounds) generally take singular verbs.

Example:

• Correct: Ten dollars is a good price for that.

Practical Tips for Mastering Subject-Verb Agreement

• Identify the subject: Before choosing a verb, clearly identify the subject of the sentence. Ignore intervening phrases.
• Check for compound subjects: Understand how "and," "or," and "nor" affect verb agreement.
• Consider collective nouns: Determine if the collective noun refers to the group as a whole or its individual members.
• Pay attention to indefinite pronouns: Remember the singular nature of most indefinite pronouns.
• Rewrite for clarity: If a sentence is complex or confusing, try rewriting it for improved subject-verb agreement.
• Read aloud: Reading your writing aloud can often help you catch errors in subject-verb agreement.
• Use online grammar checkers: While not foolproof, online tools can provide additional assistance.

Conclusion: Achieving Grammatical Excellence

Subject-verb agreement is more than just a grammatical rule; it’s a crucial element of clear and effective communication. By understanding the fundamental principles, addressing common challenges, and employing practical tips, you can significantly improve the quality and professionalism of your writing. Mastering subject-verb agreement is a valuable skill that enhances readability, builds credibility, and ensures your message is communicated with accuracy and precision. Consistent practice and attention to detail will solidify your understanding and elevate your writing to a new level of grammatical excellence. Embrace the challenge, refine your skills, and write with confidence!