Subject Verb Agreement Easy Examples

Subject-verb agreement is an important grammatical rule that dictates how nouns (subjects) and verbs should be used in a sentence. When it comes to writing, mastering this rule is crucial for producing grammatically correct and clear sentences. Unfortunately, subject-verb agreement can be a tricky concept for many writers to understand.

Here are some easy examples of subject-verb agreement that can help you master this grammar rule and avoid common errors.

1. Singular subjects require singular verbs.

For example, “The cat chases the mouse,” is correct because “cat” is a singular subject, and “chases” is a singular verb. Conversely, “The cats chase the mouse,” is incorrect because “cats” is plural, and the verb “chase” is only suitable for plural subjects.

2. Plural subjects require plural verbs.

For example, “The dogs bark loudly,” is correct because “dogs” is plural, and “bark” is also a plural verb. Conversely, “The dog barks loudly,” is incorrect because the singular subject “dog” requires the singular verb “barks”.

3. Compound subjects require plural verbs.

Compound subjects are those that contain two or more nouns that are connected by “and.” For example, “John and Jane are going to the cinema,” is correct because “John and Jane” are considered a compound subject, and therefore, requires the plural verb “are.”

4. Irregular plural nouns require plural verbs.

Certain nouns that are plural in form don`t follow the typical plural noun rules. For instance, words like “children,” “sheep,” and “deer” are irregular plural nouns. Therefore, they require plural verbs. For example, “The children play in the park,” is correct because “children” is an irregular plural noun that requires the plural verb “play.”

In conclusion, subject-verb agreement is an essential grammar rule that all writers must master. By understanding how to match subjects and verbs correctly, you can ensure that your sentences are clear, concise, and grammatically correct. These easy examples provide a great starting point for honing your skills in subject-verb agreement. With practice, you`ll become proficient in writing grammatically correct sentences that will engage your readers and keep them coming back for more.