Subject Verb Agreement: Understanding the Rules with Neetu Singh

As a copy editor, one of the most critical aspects of writing is ensuring proper subject-verb agreement. Poor agreement can cause confusion and weaken the overall impact of your message. Fortunately, with the guidance of Neetu Singh, an expert in grammar and language, you can learn the rules of subject-verb agreement and improve your writing.

What is Subject-Verb Agreement?

Subject-verb agreement refers to the grammatical agreement between the subject and verb in a sentence. This means that the verb in a sentence should agree with the subject in terms of number and person. Neetu Singh emphasizes the importance of understanding and following these rules to improve the effectiveness of your writing.

Basic Rules of Subject-Verb Agreement

The basic rules of subject-verb agreement are as follows:

1. Singular subjects take singular verbs, and plural subjects take plural verbs. For example, „The dog barks“ (singular subject, singular verb) and „The dogs bark“ (plural subject, plural verb).

2. In sentences where the subject is connected by „and,“ use a plural verb. For example, „John and Jane are going to the park.“

3. In sentences where the subject is connected by „or“ or „nor,“ use a verb that agrees with the closest subject. For example, „Neither the cat nor the dog likes the rain“ or „Either John or his friends are coming to the party.“

4. When the subject is composed of different parts or elements, use a singular verb. For example, „Bread and butter is my favorite breakfast.“

5. Collective nouns, such as „team,“ „group,“ or „family,“ take singular verbs when the group acts as one unit. For example, „The team is playing well,“ but take plural verbs when individual members act separately. For example, „The family are arguing among themselves.“

6. When using words like „each,“ „every,“ „either,“ or „neither,“ always use singular verbs. For example, „Every student is required to bring their own supplies.“

Conclusion

Subject-verb agreement is a critical aspect of writing, and understanding the rules is essential to improving the effectiveness of your message. With the guidance of Neetu Singh, mastering the basics of subject-verb agreement will help you create clear and concise writing that effectively communicates your message. Remember to always double-check your writing to ensure proper subject-verb agreement before finalizing any piece of content.