Subject-verb agreement is a crucial aspect of grammar that every student must master by the time they reach Class 10. Understanding the rules of subject-verb agreement is essential for effective communication and clear expression of ideas. This article will delve into the basics of subject-verb agreement and provide some tips to help students improve their writing skills.

Subject-verb agreement refers to the relationship between the subject and the verb in a sentence. The subject is the noun or pronoun that performs the action of the verb, while the verb is the action or state of being that the subject performs. The agreement between the subject and verb is based on the number and person of the subject.

The basic rule of subject-verb agreement is that a singular subject takes a singular verb, while a plural subject takes a plural verb. For example, “The dog barks” (singular subject) and “The dogs bark” (plural subject).

However, there are some exceptions to this rule. In certain cases, a singular subject may take a plural verb or vice versa. Here are some examples:

– When the subject is a collective noun (e.g. team, group, family), the verb can be either singular or plural, depending on the context. For example, “The team is playing well” (singular verb) and “The team are discussing their strategy” (plural verb).

– When the subject is connected by “and”, the verb is usually plural. For example, “John and Mary are going to the movies”.

– When the subject is connected by “or” or “nor”, the verb agrees with the closest subject. For example, “Neither John nor Mary is going to the movies”.

– When the subject is a singular noun ending in “s”, the verb can be either singular or plural. For example, “The news is exciting” (singular verb) and “The news are full of scandals” (plural verb).

In addition to these rules, it is important to pay attention to the person of the subject. In English, there are three persons: first person (I/we), second person (you), and third person (he/she/it/they). The verb must agree with the person of the subject. For example, “I am going” (first person singular) and “They are going” (third person plural).

To recap, subject-verb agreement is a crucial aspect of grammar that determines the clarity and accuracy of your writing. By mastering the basic rules of subject-verb agreement and paying attention to the person of the subject, students can improve their writing skills and communicate their ideas effectively. So, pay attention to this important aspect of grammar and start practicing today!