Subject-verb agreement is the correspondence between verb (verb) with sentence subject in terms of number (singular or plural).
The
rules :
1.
Subjects
and verbs must agree in number. This is the cornerstone rule that forms the
background of the concept.
Example
:
a.
The boy eats meat
This sentence is singular because the
boy is only 1, so the verb combine with s/ES.
b.
The boys eat meat
This sentence is plural because the boy is more
than 1, so the verb is’nt adding s/es.
2.
Two singular subjects connected by or/nor/neither require a singular verb.
Example
:
a.
My Uncle or my aunt is visiting my
house.
b.
Neither Daru nor Tiara does not want
to play with me.
*In
the two sentences above even though there are two subjects, but do not include
are and do. Because the sentence is connected by "or or nor or neither"
which means the subject is only one.
3.
If one of the words "each," "every," or
"no" comes before the subject, the verb is singular.
Example
: Each of the boys runs quickly
*Although
the sentence above uses the phrase the boys, it still involves runs (singular
verb) as a verb. Because there are each, which means each, every, and each. So
the subject is singular.
4.
The indefinite pronouns anyone, everyone, someone, no one, nobody are
always singular and, therefore, require singular verbs.
Example
: Everybody wants to be loved
*It
still involves wants (singular verb) as a verb. Because there are everybody. So
the subject is singular.
5.
Some indefinite pronouns - such as all, some -
are singular or plural
depending on what they're referring to. (Is the thing referred to countable or
not?) Be careful choosing a verb to accompany such pronouns.
Example
: All part of the cake has been eaten by my sister.
*
the above sentence uses has (singular verb) because the preposition object is
the cake (singular form).
6.
The verb is singular for units of
measurement of time
Example
: Ten minutes is not enough time
7.
Titles of books, movies, novels, and other similar works are treated as
singular and take a singular verb
Example
: Five feet apart is a movie starring cole sprouse
8.
In sentences beginning with here or there, the true subject follows the
verb.
Example
:
a.
There is a good reason for that
deadline.
b.
There are good reasons for that
deadline.
9.
Sometimes the subject is separated from the verb by such words as along
with, as well as, besides, not, etc. These words and phrases are not part of
the subject. Ignore them and use a singular verb when the subject is singular
Example
: The politician, along with the newsmen, is expected shortly
10. Subordinate clauses that come between the subject and
verb don't affect their agreement
Example
: The boy, who is wearing a glasses,
is so cool
11. Collective Nouns (group, jury, crowd, team, etc.) may
be singular or plural, depending on meaning.
Example
:
a.
The majority of our city
council members are Republicans.
b.
The majority always rules.
Reference :
https://eskript.ethz.ch/english2/chapter/grammar-time-subject-verb-agreement/
Exercise Subject-verb
agreement :
1.
John, along with twenty friends, (is/are) planning a
party.
Answer : are
2.
The picture of the soldiers (bring/brings) back many
memories.
Answer : brings
3.
The quality of these recordings (is/are)
not very good.
Answer : are
4.
If the duties of these officers (isn’t/aren’t)
reduced, there will not be
enough time to finish the project.
Answer : aren’t
5.
The effects of cigarette smoking (have/has) been
proven to
be extremely harmful.
Answer : have
6.
The use of credit cards in place of cash (have/has)
increased rapidly
in recent years.
Answer : has
7.
Advertisements on television (is/are) becoming more
competitive
than ever before.
Answer : are
8.
Living expenses in this country, as well as in many
others, (is,are)
atan all-the time high.
Answer : are
9.
Mr. Jones, accompanied by several members of the
committee,
(have/has) proposed some changes of the rules.
Answer : have
10.
The levels of intoxication (vary/varies) from subject
to subject.
Answer : vary
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