Subject-verb agreement is an essential aspect of writing that every writer needs to understand. It helps to convey your message precisely and effectively. If you fail to follow the rules of subject-verb agreement, your writing will sound awkward and sloppy. As an experienced copy editor and SEO specialist, I`ve come up with 15 rules you should follow to ensure your writing is grammatically correct and effective.
Rule #1: A singular subject requires a singular verb, and a plural subject requires a plural verb.
Example: The cat sleeps. The cats sleep.
Rule #2: Compound subjects joined by `and` takes a plural verb.
Example: John and Mary study hard.
Rule #3: A collective noun takes a singular verb when it is considered as a single entity and a plural verb when it refers to individual members.
Example: The team is playing well. The team members are celebrating.
Rule #4: An indefinite pronoun such as `someone,` `everyone,` or `anyone` takes a singular verb.
Example: Everyone is happy.
Rule #5: A definite pronoun such as `both,` `few,` or `many` takes a plural verb.
Example: Both are going to the party.
Rule #6: The verb agrees with the subject, not with the noun or pronoun in a prepositional phrase.
Example: The student, with his friends, is attending the conference.
Rule #7: Titles of books, movies, and plays take a singular verb.
Example: The Great Gatsby is a classic novel.
Rule #8: Indefinite adjectives such as `some,` `any,` or `no` take a singular verb when they refer to a singular noun.
Example: Some of the milk has spilled.
Rule #9: When using `either…or` or `neither…nor,` the verb agrees with the noun closest to it.
Example: Neither the kids nor their parents are happy.
Rule #10: When the subject is a fraction or a percentage, you need to consider the noun that follows the verb and use a singular or plural verb accordingly.
Example: A third of the students are absent. Two-thirds of the book is complete.
Rule #11: When the subject is an infinitive phrase, use a singular verb.
Example: To be successful requires hard work.
Rule #12: When using `one of,` the verb agrees with the noun that follows it.
Example: One of the boys is sleeping.
Rule #13: When the subject is `there` or `here,` the verb agrees with the noun that follows it.
Example: There are two books on the table.
Rule #14: When the subject is `each` or `every,` use a singular verb.
Example: Each student has to complete the assignment.
Rule #15: When using `as well as,` `in addition to,` or `along with,` the verb agrees with the subject before these phrases.
Example: John, as well as his sister and brother, is going to the party.
Following these rules of subject-verb agreement will improve the quality of your writing and ensure that it is focused, clear, and grammatically correct. Make sure you review your work to ensure that your writing is free of errors and conveys your message effectively.