Anna: Hi, Tom, how are you?
Tom: I'm good! How are you?
Anna: I'm great! I have a question for you. Do you know where my keys are?
Tom: Hmm, I think they are on the table.
Anna: Thanks! My friend and I were looking for them everywhere!
Tom: No problem! The keys have a way of hiding sometimes.
Anna: You're right! The cat likes to move things around!
Tom: Haha, that's true! My dog does the same. He always takes my shoes.
Anna: Funny! Well, I found the keys, so I’m happy now!
Tom: Glad to help! You and your friend always find a way to get things done.
Anna: We do! Thanks again, Tom!
In this dialogue, you can see how subject-verb agreement works, with singular and plural subjects matching the correct verb forms.
Grammar
Subject-Verb Agreement
What is Subject-Verb Agreement?
Subject-verb agreement is a rule in English grammar that tells us how the subject of a sentence and the verb must match in number (singular or plural). In simple terms, a singular subject needs a singular verb, and a plural subject needs a plural verb.
1. Singular and Plural Subjects
- Singular Subject: Refers to one person, thing, or idea.
Example: The dog runs fast.
"Dog" is singular, so the verb "runs" is also singular.
- Plural Subject: Refers to more than one person, thing, or idea.
Example: The dogs run fast.
"Dogs" is plural, so the verb "run" is also plural.
2. Basic Rules of Subject-Verb Agreement
a. Singular subjects need singular verbs.
The cat eats its food.
She plays the piano.
b. Plural subjects need plural verbs.
The cats eat their food.
They play the piano.
3. When the Subject is Joined by “And”
When two subjects are joined by the word and, the verb is usually plural.
Tom and Jerry play together.
The teacher and the student are talking.
4. When the Subject is Joined by “Or” or “Nor”
If the subjects are joined by or or nor, the verb agrees with the subject closest to it.
Example 1: Either the boy or the girl is going to win. (Verb matches "girl," which is singular.)
Example 2: Neither the dogs nor the cat is hungry. (Verb matches "cat," which is singular.)
5. Collective Nouns
Collective nouns are words that refer to a group of people or things, like team, family, or class. These can be singular or plural, depending on how they are used.
- Singular: If the group is acting as a whole.
Example: The team is winning the game.
- Plural: If the group is acting separately.
Example: The team are arguing among themselves.
6. Special Cases
Some subjects look plural but are actually singular. These include words like news, mathematics, and economics. Always use a singular verb with these words.
The news is on TV.
Mathematics is difficult for many students.
7. Helping Verbs (Auxiliary Verbs)
In sentences with helping verbs like is, are, was, were, make sure the main verb agrees with the subject.
She is going to the store. (singular subject, singular verb)
They are going to the store. (plural subject, plural verb)
Remember, subject-verb agreement is important for clear communication in English. Keep practicing, and soon this rule will become natural to you!
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