Subject-verb agreement is one of the most basic and fundamental rules of grammar. It is essential to write sentences in a grammatically correct manner. If you are not familiar with subject-verb agreement rules, don’t worry! This article will help you master the subject-verb agreement rules 11-20.
11. When the subject is two singular nouns joined by and, use a plural verb.
Correct: John and Sally are going to the movies.
Incorrect: John and Sally is going to the movies.
12. When the subject is two singular nouns joined by or or nor, use a singular verb that agrees with the noun closest to the verb.
Correct: Neither the boy nor the girl is telling the truth.
Incorrect: Neither the boy nor the girl are telling the truth.
13. When the subject is a collective noun, use a singular verb when the group is considered as a whole, but use a plural verb when the members of the group are considered individually.
Correct: The team is playing well.
Correct: The team are wearing their lucky socks.
14. When the subject is a singular noun that ends with an s, use a singular verb that does not end in s.
Correct: My physics class is difficult.
Incorrect: My physics class are difficult.
15. When the subject is a plural noun that ends in s, use a plural verb that does not end in s.
Correct: The boys play soccer.
Incorrect: The boys plays soccer.
16. When the subject is a plural noun that does not end in s, use a plural verb that does end in s.
Correct: The children love to play.
Incorrect: The children loves to play.
17. When the subject is a singular noun that represents a group of people or things, use a singular verb.
Correct: The herd of cattle is grazing in the field.
Incorrect: The herd of cattle are grazing in the field.
18. When the subject is a singular indefinite pronoun (e.g., anybody, anybody, everything, nothing, somebody), use a singular verb.
Correct: Everything tastes better with bacon.
Incorrect: Everything taste better with bacon.
19. When the subject is a plural indefinite pronoun (e.g., several, many, a few), use a plural verb.
Correct: Many people are coming to the party.
Incorrect: Many people is coming to the party.
20. When the subject is a collective noun that represents a group of people who are part of the same organization, use a singular verb.
Correct: Microsoft is launching its latest software.
Incorrect: Microsoft are launching their latest software.
In conclusion, subject-verb agreement is an essential grammar rule that must be followed to write grammatically correct sentences. Remember to always use the correct verb form that agrees with the subject. By mastering these subject-verb agreement rules 11-20, you will become a better writer and communicator.
