How Finding the Subject in a Sentence Helps with Verb Agreement

Understanding subject-verb agreement is an important part of learning English grammar.

This rule means that the verb in a sentence should match the subject in both number (singular or plural) and person (first, second, or third). This article will explain how finding the subject can help you use the correct verb form.

The Basics of Subject-Verb Agreement

What is a Subject?

In a sentence, the subject is the person, place, thing, or idea that the sentence talks about.

It answers the question "who" or "what" is doing the action of the verb.

Example Sentences:

• The cat (subject) is sleeping.
• The students (subject) are studying.

Singular and Plural Subjects

It is important to know if the subject is singular (one) or plural (more than one). This helps you choose the right verb.

• Singular Subjects: A singular subject takes a singular verb.
  • Example: The dog (singular) barks.
• Plural Subjects: A plural subject takes a plural verb.
  • Example: The dogs (plural) bark.

Pronoun Subjects

Pronouns can also be subjects. They need to agree with their verbs in number (singular or plural).

• Singular Pronouns: he, she, it
  • Example: She (singular) runs quickly.
• Plural Pronouns: we, they
  • Example: They (plural) run quickly.

Steps to Identify the Subject

1. Locate the Verb: First, find the main verb in the sentence. This will help you know what the action is.

   • Example: In "The teacher explains the lesson," "explains" is the verb.

2. Ask Who or What is Performing the Action: After finding the verb, ask who or what is doing this action.

   • Question: Who explains the lesson? Answer: The teacher.

3. Determine Number: Figure out if the subject is singular or plural. Remember the simple rules of subject-verb agreement.

Examples of Subject-Verb Agreement

Here are some examples to show how agreement works based on the subject:

1. Singular Subject with Singular Verb:

   • Incorrect: The team (singular) are winning.
   • Correct: The team (singular) is winning.

2. Plural Subject with Plural Verb:

   • Incorrect: The players (plural) is practicing.
   • Correct: The players (plural) are practicing.

3. Compound Subjects: When a subject has two or more nouns (joined by 'and'), it usually takes a plural verb.

   • Example: My brother and sister (plural) are coming.

Special Cases of Subject-Verb Agreement

1. Subjects Separated by Interrupting Phrases:

   • Even if there are phrases between the subject and verb, the verb should agree with the subject.
   • Example: The book on the shelf is interesting.

2. Indefinite Pronouns:

   • Some singular indefinite pronouns (like everyone or anyone) need singular verbs.
   • Example: Everyone (singular) loves chocolate.

3. Collective Nouns:

   • Collective nouns like "team" or "group" can be singular or plural based on the situation.
   • Example: The group is winning (acting as one unit).

Conclusion

Finding the subject in a sentence is key for keeping correct subject-verb agreement. By finding the subject and deciding if it is singular or plural, you can improve your grammar skills and make sure your sentences make sense. With regular practice of these ideas, you will be able to write grammatically correct sentences with confidence!