Consistent sentence structure is a fundamental rule of clear and effective communication. Ensuring that your subjects and verbs match in number is crucial for writing well, whether you’re crafting a report, composing an email, or penning a weekly blog post. Understanding and applying these rules will significantly enhance your writing. Let’s explore the basics of subject-verb agreement and learn how to master this important grammar skill.
AGREEMENT
The Basics of Subject/Verb Agreement
One of the basic aspects of proper sentence structure is ensuring the correct agreement between the sentence components.
A singular subject uses a singular verb; a plural subject uses a plural verb.
- Singular: Loretta works here.
[Loretta (the subject) and works (the verb) are singular.]
- Plural: The siblings work here.
[The siblings (the subject) work (the verb) are plural.]
- Plural: A train and a bus hold many passengers.
[A train and a bus (the subject) is plural; therefore, hold (the verb) needs to be plural.]
Agreement with Compound Subjects Joined by "Or" or "Nor"
When parts of a subject are joined by or, or nor, the verb agrees with the nearer part. Meaning the one nearest to the verb.
Neither Jeannie nor I work here.
[I is singular; therefore, work (the verb) needs to be singular.]
The sales team or the directors are not here.
[directors is plural; therefore, are (the verb) needs to be plural.]
Indefinite Pronouns and Subject-Verb Agreement
Indefinite pronouns can be singular or plural, depending on the situation. It’s important to know which pronouns need a singular verb and which need a plural verb. This knowledge is key to getting subject and verb agreement right.
Singular indefinite pronouns use singular verbs. These pronouns include each, either, neither, and words that end in –body, –one, or –thing.
- Singular: Each worker must do her/his job.
[Each worker (the subject) is always singular; therefore, do (the verb) needs to be singular.]
Plural indefinite pronouns always take plural verbs. These pronouns include several, few, both, and many.
- Plural: Several were eager to go further.
[Several (the subject) is always plural; therefore, were (the verb) needs to be plural.]
For indefinite pronouns that end in –body, –one, or –thing, imagine adding “single” to reinforce the pronoun’s need for a singular verb.
- Everyone → Every (single) one Everyone needs a friend.
- Somebody → Some (single) body Somebody needs help.
- Anything → Any (single) thing Anything goes.
- No one → No (single) one No one knows.
|
Indefinite Pronouns | ||
|
Any |
(single) |
-body |
|
Every |
(single) |
-one |
|
No |
(single) |
-thing |
|
Some |
(single) |
|
Learning to match subjects and verbs correctly is a vital skill for clear and effective writing. By knowing the basic rules and using them all the time, you can make your writing better. Whether it is a work email, a report, or a press release post, making sure your subjects and verbs agree will make your writing look more professional. So, take the time to go over these rules and practice them in your writing. Your hard work will pay off with clearer and more effective communication.
This information is from the Business Grammar & Usage class curriculums. If you’re looking for ways to improve your communication skills, register for one of our public classes.
Other Resources:
Examples of Subject/Verb Agreement
Subject and Verb Agreement | Grammar Rules
Test Yourself on Subject/Verb Agreement
Learn more about improving your professional writing skills in our upcoming Email Etiquette class.
Rich Atkins is the Managing Director of Improving Communications, a New York-based corporate training firm that, in addition to Speaker Services, offers Business Writing, Public Speaking & Presentation Skills, Sales and Negotiation, Customer Service, Leadership, Staff Development, and Human Resources training. He is also the Director of Improving Communications UK and Improving Communications IE.