Grammar Rules Questions Long
Subject-verb agreement is a fundamental grammatical concept that ensures that the subject and verb in a sentence agree in number. In other words, when the subject of a sentence is singular, the verb must also be singular, and when the subject is plural, the verb must be plural as well. This agreement is necessary to maintain grammatical accuracy and clarity in writing.
When dealing with singular subjects, the verb form typically ends in -s or -es in the present tense. For example, in the sentence "She walks to school," the singular subject "she" is paired with the singular verb "walks." Similarly, in "He eats an apple," the singular subject "he" is matched with the singular verb "eats."
On the other hand, when the subject is plural, the verb form does not end in -s or -es. For instance, in the sentence "They walk to school," the plural subject "they" is paired with the plural verb "walk." Likewise, in "We eat apples," the plural subject "we" is matched with the plural verb "eat."
It is important to note that subject-verb agreement can become more complex when dealing with certain irregular verbs or when the subject and verb are separated by phrases or clauses. However, the basic rule remains the same: singular subjects require singular verbs, and plural subjects require plural verbs.
Subject-verb agreement is crucial for maintaining grammatical correctness and ensuring that sentences are clear and understandable. By following this rule, writers can effectively convey their intended meaning and avoid confusion for the reader.