Subject-verb agreement is a fundamental grammar rule in English that states that the subject and the verb in a sentence must agree in number. In other words, if the subject is singular, the verb must also be singular, and if the subject is plural, the verb must also be plural. This is a crucial language rule that writers and speakers must always observe to avoid making grammatical errors in their communication.
To understand subject-verb agreement better, let us consider the following examples:
1) Incorrect: The group of friends was going to the beach.
2) Correct: The group of friends were going to the beach.
In the first sentence, the verb “was” is singular, while the subject “group of friends” is plural. Hence, there is a disagreement in number, making the sentence grammatically incorrect. However, in the second sentence, the verb “were” is plural to match the subject “group of friends,” making the sentence grammatically correct.
3) Incorrect: Neither the teacher nor the students were satisfied with the results.
4) Correct: Neither the teacher nor the students was satisfied with the results.
In the third sentence, the verb “were” is plural, while both the subject “teacher” and “students” are singular. This disagreement in number makes the sentence grammatically incorrect. However, in the fourth sentence, the verb “was” is singular to match the singular subject “teacher,” making the sentence grammatically correct.
5) Incorrect: The news from the media are always depressing.
6) Correct: The news from the media is always depressing.
In the fifth sentence, the verb “are” is plural, while the subject “news” is singular. Hence, there is a disagreement in number, making the sentence grammatically incorrect. However, in the sixth sentence, the verb “is” is singular to match the singular subject “news,” making the sentence grammatically correct.
In conclusion, subject-verb agreement plays a critical role in ensuring that our language use is grammatically correct. As such, it is essential to always observe this rule to avoid making grammatical errors in our communication. By using the right verb form that agrees with the subject, we can make our sentences clearer, more precise, and more effective in conveying the intended message.
