Exercise Of Subject Verb Agreement

Mastering Subject-Verb Agreement: A Comprehensive Guide

Subject-verb agreement, the cornerstone of grammatical accuracy, refers to the grammatical concordance between a sentence's subject and its verb. This means the verb must agree in number (singular or plural) with its subject. While seemingly straightforward, mastering subject-verb agreement can be challenging due to various grammatical constructions and exceptions. This comprehensive guide will equip you with the knowledge and skills to confidently tackle even the most complex subject-verb agreement scenarios. Understanding this crucial element significantly enhances the clarity and professionalism of your writing.

Understanding the Basics: Singular and Plural Subjects

Before delving into complexities, let's solidify the fundamental principles. A singular subject requires a singular verb, while a plural subject demands a plural verb.

Example (Singular): The cat sleeps on the mat. (Singular subject "cat," singular verb "sleeps")
Example (Plural): The cats sleep on the mat. (Plural subject "cats," plural verb "sleep")

The simplest cases involve easily identifiable singular and plural nouns. However, challenges arise when dealing with more intricate sentence structures.

Common Challenges and Their Solutions

Several grammatical structures often lead to subject-verb agreement errors. Let's explore these challenges and their solutions:

1. Intervening Phrases and Clauses

Phrases or clauses placed between the subject and the verb can be distracting, leading to incorrect verb choices. The key is to identify the true subject. Ignore the intervening phrases; they don't affect the verb's number.

Example: The basket of apples sits on the counter. (The subject is "basket," not "apples.")
Example: My friend, along with his two brothers, is coming to the party. (The subject is "friend," not "brothers.")

2. Compound Subjects Joined by "And"

When two or more subjects are joined by "and," they generally take a plural verb.

Example: John and Mary are going to the movies.

However, there are exceptions:

Exception (Singular Verb): When the compound subject refers to a single entity or idea, it takes a singular verb. For example: "Peanut butter and jelly is my favorite sandwich."

3. Compound Subjects Joined by "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.

Example: Either the cat or the dogs are responsible for the mess. (Plural verb "are" agrees with "dogs.")
Example: Neither the dogs nor the cat is responsible for the mess. (Singular verb "is" agrees with "cat.")

4. Collective Nouns

Collective nouns (e.g., team, family, group, committee) can be singular or plural depending on context. If the group acts as a single unit, use a singular verb. If the members of the group act individually, use a plural verb.

Example (Singular): The team is practicing hard for the championship. (The team acts as a unit.)
Example (Plural): The team are arguing amongst themselves about strategy. (Individual team members are acting separately.)

5. Indefinite Pronouns

Indefinite pronouns (e.g., everyone, someone, anyone, anybody, nobody, each, either, neither) are always singular and take singular verbs.

Example: Everyone is invited to the party.
Example: Neither of the options is appealing.

However, some indefinite pronouns can be singular or plural depending on the noun they refer to. These include: some, any, none, all, most.

Example (Singular): Some of the cake is left.
Example (Plural): Some of the cakes are left.

6. Subjects That Appear Plural But Are Singular

Certain phrases or words that appear plural might actually be singular and thus take a singular verb. This includes units of measurement, titles of works, and some phrases.

Example: Ten dollars is not enough for that.
Example: "The Grapes of Wrath" is a classic novel.

7. Inverted Sentence Structure

In sentences with inverted structures (where the verb comes before the subject), it is crucial to correctly identify the subject to ensure proper agreement. This is common in questions and sentences beginning with there or here.

Example: Is the dog barking? (The subject is "dog.")
Example: There are many birds in the garden. (The subject is "birds.")

8. Nouns Ending in "-s" that are Singular

Some nouns ending in "-s" are actually singular (e.g., news, measles, physics, economics). These take singular verbs.

Example: The news is good.
Example: Physics is a challenging subject.

Advanced Cases and Nuances

Beyond the common challenges, several more nuanced situations can test your understanding of subject-verb agreement.

1. Fractional Expressions

When using fractional expressions (e.g., "one-third," "two-fifths"), the verb agrees with the noun the fraction modifies.

Example: One-third of the apples are rotten.
Example: Two-fifths of the population is affected.

2. Clauses Beginning with "Who," "That," or "Which"

Relative clauses introduced by "who," "that," or "which" require careful consideration. The verb in the relative clause agrees with the antecedent (the noun the pronoun refers to).

Example: The student who scores the highest receives a prize. (The verb "receives" agrees with "student.")

3. Gerunds and Infinitives

Gerunds (verbs acting as nouns, ending in "-ing") and infinitives (to + verb) are always treated as singular.

Example: Swimming is my favorite exercise.
Example: To succeed requires dedication.

4. Titles of Works

Titles of books, movies, etc., even if plural in form, are treated as singular.

Example: "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" is a beloved classic.

Practice Makes Perfect: Exercises

To truly master subject-verb agreement, consistent practice is key. Here are a few sample exercises:

Exercise 1: Choose the correct verb:

The dog (bark, barks) loudly.
My friends and I (go, goes) to the beach every summer.
Neither the cat nor the birds (is, are) allowed inside.
The flock of birds (fly, flies) south for the winter.
The committee (has, have) decided on a plan.

Exercise 2: Correct the subject-verb agreement errors in the following sentences:

The box of chocolates are delicious.
Each of the students are responsible for their own project.
Neither of the answers is correct.
There is many reasons to be happy.
The news are shocking.

Exercise 3: Write five sentences of your own that demonstrate your understanding of subject-verb agreement, including at least one example of a collective noun and one example of a compound subject joined by "or".

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the best way to improve my subject-verb agreement skills?

A: Consistent practice is paramount. Read widely, paying close attention to sentence structure. Complete grammar exercises and seek feedback on your writing.

Q: Are there any helpful resources beyond this guide?

A: Many grammar textbooks and online resources offer further explanations and exercises on subject-verb agreement.

Q: Why is subject-verb agreement important?

A: Correct subject-verb agreement is essential for clear and effective communication. Grammatical errors can undermine credibility and make your writing difficult to understand.

Conclusion

Mastering subject-verb agreement is a crucial step in becoming a confident and skilled writer. While the rules can seem complex at first, consistent practice and a clear understanding of the principles outlined in this guide will empower you to write with precision and accuracy. Remember to focus on identifying the true subject of each sentence, carefully considering the nuances of collective nouns, compound subjects, and other potential pitfalls. With dedicated effort, you'll confidently navigate even the most challenging subject-verb agreement scenarios and produce writing that is both polished and professional. The journey to grammatical mastery is rewarding – embrace the challenge, and enjoy the process of refining your writing skills.