Subject-verb agreement is a fundamental rule in grammar. It is the agreement of the subject with the verb in a sentence. The subject is the word that performs the action or is the focus of the sentence, while the verb is the action or the state of being. The golden rule of subject-verb agreement is to ensure that the number of the subject matches the number of the verb. In this article, we will delve deeper into the subject-verb agreement golden rule and how it can improve your writing.

The subject-verb agreement golden rule is a basic grammar principle that states that a singular subject requires a singular verb, while a plural subject requires a plural verb. It is essential to apply this rule when writing to ensure that your sentences are grammatically correct and easy to read. Failure to adhere to this rule can lead to confusing and ambiguous sentences, affecting the clarity of your writing.

To illustrate the subject-verb agreement golden rule, consider these examples:

– The dog barks loudly at the mailman. (singular subject, singular verb)

– The dogs bark loudly at the mailman. (plural subject, plural verb)

In the first sentence, the subject `dog` is singular, and the verb `barks` is also singular. In the second sentence, the subject `dogs` is plural, and the verb `bark` is also plural. Thus, the subject and the verb agree in number.

However, there are exceptions to the subject-verb agreement golden rule. One of the exceptions is when the subject is a collective noun. A collective noun refers to a group of people, animals or things, considered as a single entity. Examples of collective nouns include team, family, class, herd, and flock. In such cases, the verb can be singular or plural, depending on context.

For example:

– The team is playing well. (singular verb)

– The team are arguing among themselves. (plural verb)

In the first sentence, the team is considered as a single entity, so the verb is singular. In contrast, in the second sentence, the team members are seen as individuals, so the verb is plural.

Another exception to the subject-verb agreement golden rule is when the subject and verb are separated by a phrase or clause. In such cases, it is crucial to identify the subject and ensure that it agrees with the verb in number.

For example:

– Running in the morning, the birds chirp loudly. (incorrect)

– Running in the morning, I hear the birds chirping loudly. (correct)

In the first sentence, it is unclear who is running and who hears the birds chirping. The revised sentence clarifies that `I` is the subject, and the verb `hear` agrees with it in number.

In summary, the subject-verb agreement golden rule is a fundamental principle of grammar that ensures that a sentence is clear, concise, and easy to understand. Applying this rule helps to avoid grammatical errors, making your writing more effective. When writing, it is essential to identify the subject and ensure that it agrees with the verb in number. Remember, a singular subject takes a singular verb, while a plural subject takes a plural verb. By following this rule, you can improve your writing and make it more effective.