10 Rules of Subject Verb Agreement Examples

As a copy editor, ensuring proper subject-verb agreement is essential in creating clear and concise written content. Not only does it improve the readability of the text, but it also enhances its search engine optimization (SEO) potential. In this article, we will discuss ten rules of subject-verb agreement, along with examples to illustrate each point.

1. Singular subjects require singular verbs: A singular subject requires a singular verb. For example, “The cat chases the mouse.”

2. Plural subjects require plural verbs: A plural subject requires a plural verb. For example, “The cats chase the mice.”

3. Singular indefinite pronouns require singular verbs: Indefinite pronouns such as “someone,” “anyone,” “everyone,” and “nobody” require singular verbs. For example, “Everyone knows the answer.”

4. Plural indefinite pronouns require plural verbs: Indefinite pronouns such as “both,” “several,” “many,” and “few” require plural verbs. For example, “Few people understand the concept.”

5. Collective nouns can be singular or plural: Collective nouns such as “team,” “group,” and “family” can be singular or plural, depending on the context. For example, “The family is going on vacation” (singular) or “The family are arguing about what to do” (plural).

6. Titles and company names are singular: Titles and company names are considered singular, even if they refer to a group of people. For example, “Microsoft is developing a new product.”

7. Compound subjects joined by “and” are plural: When two or more subjects are joined by “and,” the verb should be plural. For example, “The cat and the dog are playing.”

8. Compound subjects joined by “or” or “nor”: When two or more subjects are joined by “or” or “nor,” the verb agrees with the subject closest to it. For example, “Either the cat or the dog is responsible for the mess.”

9. When the subject is separated by an interrupter: When a phrase or clause interrupts the subject and verb, the verb should agree with the subject. For example, “The cat, along with the kittens, is sleeping.”

10. Inverted sentences: Inverted sentences, in which the subject comes after the verb, still require proper subject-verb agreement. For example, “In the yard are the cat and the dog.”

In conclusion, proper subject-verb agreement is crucial in creating clear and effective written content. By following these ten rules, you can ensure that your writing is grammatically correct and SEO-friendly.

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