SUBJECT-VERB AGREEMENT: 2 Main Rules in Subject-Verb Agreement

Short Discussion on 2 Main Rules in Subject-Verb Agreement

SUBJECT-VERB AGREEMENT – Here are the two (2) main rules in the subject-verb agreement in English.

Undeniably, the grammar aspect of the English subject brings a lot of rules to be observed in speaking and writing. Among these are the rules concerning one of the parts of speechverb.

Verb is the part of speech in English that conveys actions done, is being done, or will be done by the subject. It is also called “action word” for its purpose in the sentence.

In using verbs, there are rules in subject-verb agreement that we must observe and that is what we will discuss in this article.

Subject-Verb Agreement

The two(2) main rules of the subject-verb agreement has something to do with the number of the subject based on The Idioms.

Rule No. 1 – Singular Nouns / Subjects Take Singular Verbs

If the subject in the sentence is singular or only one in number, for example he, she, and it, the verb should also be in singular form like the “is” and “has”. Singular verbs in present tense usually end in “s”.

Examples:

  1. Joanna catches the butterfly.
  2. Jaypee is going to Bantayan.
  3. She has set an appointment a month ago so she cannot join them.
  4. The teacher was absent yesterday.
  5. The President enjoys drinking wine.

Rule No. 2 – Plural Nouns / Subjects Take Plural Verbs

Based on the article, plural nouns or subjects (more than one in number) take plural verbs. Examples of plural verbs are “are” and “have”. If the verb is in the present tense, it usually takes the base form and does not end in “s”.

Examples:

  1. Carlos and Trino have decided to leave their huge bags behind.
  2. The classes of Mr. Domingo and Mr. Lopez enjoy playing frisbee tournament in the field.
  3. The elephants are marching towards the market.
  4. Three(3) reporters were not allowed to enter the court.
  5. The paper and the pencil are complimentary.

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