Subject-verb agreement is an essential concept in the English language. It refers to the correct use of verbs based on the number and person of the subject in a sentence. Rule 1 of subject-verb agreement requires that a singular subject must be paired with a singular verb, while a plural subject must be paired with a plural verb. In this article, we will explore subject-verb agreement examples that illustrate rule 1.
Singular Subject and Singular Verb
When the subject of a sentence is singular, it requires a singular verb to match. The following are examples of this rule:
Example 1: The boy plays soccer with his friends.
In this sentence, the subject “boy” is singular and requires a singular verb “plays.”
Example 2: The company creates innovative products.
Here, the singular subject “company” must be paired with a singular verb “creates.”
Example 3: The dog barks at the mailman every morning.
In this sentence, the singular subject “dog” requires a singular verb “barks.”
Plural Subject and Plural Verb
When the subject of a sentence is plural, it needs a plural verb to match. Here are some examples:
Example 1: The cats play with toys on the carpet.
In this sentence, the plural subject “cats” requires a plural verb “play.”
Example 2: The students study for their exams diligently.
Here, the plural subject “students” requires a plural verb “study.”
Example 3: The flowers bloom in the springtime.
In this sentence, the plural subject “flowers” requires a plural verb “bloom.”
Exceptions to Rule 1
There are some instances where the subject and verb do not follow rule 1 of subject-verb agreement. These exceptions include:
1. When the subject is a collective noun, such as “team,” “family,” or “group.” In these cases, the verb can be either singular or plural, depending on the context.
Example: The team is playing in the championship game. (singular verb)
The team are arguing about their strategy. (plural verb)
2. When the subject is a compound subject joined by “and.” In this case, the verb is usually plural.
Example: John and Sarah are going to the movies. (plural verb)
In conclusion, subject-verb agreement is a crucial aspect of the English language, and understanding rule 1 is essential. It ensures that the subject and verb in a sentence are in agreement and helps to avoid confusing or awkward sentences. By following the examples provided above, you can improve your writing and maintain proper subject-verb agreement in all your communications.