Discuss the rules for agreement when using irregular verbs.

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Discuss the rules for agreement when using irregular verbs.

When using irregular verbs, there are certain rules for agreement that need to be followed. Irregular verbs do not follow the regular pattern of adding -ed to form the past tense or past participle. Instead, they have their own unique forms. Here are the rules for agreement when using irregular verbs:

1. Subject-Verb Agreement: Irregular verbs still need to agree with the subject of the sentence in terms of number. For example, if the subject is singular, the irregular verb should be in its singular form, and if the subject is plural, the irregular verb should be in its plural form. For instance:
- She sings beautifully. (singular subject)
- They sing in a choir. (plural subject)

2. Past Tense Agreement: When using irregular verbs in the past tense, the verb form changes, and it is important to use the correct form based on the subject. Here are some examples:
- He ate his lunch quickly. (singular subject)
- They ate their lunch quickly. (plural subject)

3. Past Participle Agreement: The past participle form of irregular verbs is also important for agreement. It is used in perfect tenses and passive voice constructions. The past participle form should agree with the subject in terms of number and gender. Here are a few examples:
- She has broken her phone. (singular subject)
- They have broken their phones. (plural subject)

4. Agreement with Pronouns: When using pronouns as the subject, it is crucial to ensure that the irregular verb agrees with the pronoun in terms of number and person. For example:
- I am going to the store. (first person singular)
- We are going to the store. (first person plural)

5. Agreement with Collective Nouns: Collective nouns, which refer to a group of individuals, can be singular or plural. When using irregular verbs with collective nouns, it is important to consider whether the noun is acting as a single unit or as individuals. Here are a couple of examples:
- The team is practicing for the game. (acting as a single unit)
- The team are arguing among themselves. (acting as individuals)

In summary, when using irregular verbs, it is essential to pay attention to subject-verb agreement, past tense agreement, past participle agreement, agreement with pronouns, and agreement with collective nouns. By following these rules, one can ensure grammatical accuracy and clarity in their writing or speech.