Subject-Verb Agreement may sound like a dry and mundane topic, but it is actually an essential aspect of the English language. It is the foundation of coherent and understandable communication, and mastering it can greatly enhance your writing and speaking skills. In this post, we will 20 rules of subject-verb agreement, with to help you and them in your communication.
Rule 1: The subject and verb must agree in number
Rule
Example
The dog loudly.
One dog, singular subject – singular verb
The dogs loudly.
Two or more dogs, plural subject – plural verb
Rule 2: Use a singular verb after each, either, everyone, nobody, someone, and no one
Rule
Example
Each of the students responsible for completing the assignment.
Singular verb after “each”
No one available to take your call at the moment.
Singular verb after “no one”
Subject-verb agreement is not only a grammatical concept but also a reflection of how we perceive the world around us. By understanding and mastering these rules, we can convey our thoughts and ideas more effectively.
Case Study: Impact of Subject-Verb Agreement on Business Communication
A study conducted by Harvard Business Review found that businesses that prioritize clear and concise communication are more likely to succeed. Subject-verb agreement plays a crucial role in achieving such clarity, especially in written communication such as emails, reports, and presentations.
Rule 3: When using “and,” the subject is plural and requires a plural verb
Rule
Example
Tom and best friends.
Plural verb after “and”
Rule 4: Indefinite pronouns such as all, any, more, most, and some require a singular or plural verb depending on the noun they replace
Rule
Example
All of the gone.
Singular verb for the singular noun “cake”
All of the gone.
Plural verb for the plural noun “cookies”
Rule 5: Use a singular verb after a sum of money or period of time as a subject
Rule
Example
Five reasonable price for a cup of coffee.
Singular verb after “five dollars”
Mastering subject-verb agreement is not only beneficial for your own communication but can also positively impact those around you. It shows professionalism, attention to detail, and dedication to clear and effective communication.
Rule 6: The title of a work of art or literature takes a singular verb
Rule
Example
The Mona a masterpiece.
Singular verb after the title “Mona Lisa”
Rule 7: Use a singular verb with distances, periods of time, and other quantities that are considered a unit
Rule
Example
Five long distance to walk.
Singular verb after “five miles”
Rule 8: Singular subjects connected by or, nor, either/or, or neither/nor take a singular verb
Rule
Example
Neither the cat allowed on the couch.
Singular verb for singular subjects connected by “neither/nor”
As we delve deeper into the intricacies of subject-verb agreement, it becomes apparent that language is not just a tool for communication, but a rich and complex system that reflects the way we perceive and interact with the world.
Rule 9: Use a singular verb after the word “the number,” the word “a number,” and expressions such as “a lot,” “a majority,” “a minority,” and “the majority”
Rule
Example
The number of students in the class increasing.
Singular verb after “the number”
Rule 10: Use a singular verb with collective nouns such as group, team, committee, and staff
Rule
Example
The team ready for the game.
Singular verb after the collective noun “team”
Rule 11: The singular verb is used if the subjects are joined by “and” but refer to the same person or thing
Rule
Example
Rice and popular dish in many countries.
Singular verb for the combined subjects “rice and beans”
Rule 12: Use a singular verb with indefinite pronouns such as everybody, someone, anybody, and nobody
Rule
Example
Everyone own opinion.
Singular verb after “everyone”
Rule 13: The verb must agree in person with the subject, not with the complement of the subject
Rule
Example
My favorite blue.
Singular verb with the singular subject “color”
Rule 14: Use a singular verb after the word “one” when it means “people” or “somebody”
Rule
Example
One of the going to present at the conference.
Singular verb after “one”
Rule 15: Use a singular verb with subjects that include the words “each” or “every”
Rule
Example
Every student required to submit their assignment on time.
Singular verb after “every student”
Rule 16: Use a singular verb with a fraction or percentage used as a subject
Rule
Example
One-third of the missing.
Singular verb after “one-third”
Rule 17: Use a singular verb with titles of books, movies, and other works of art
Rule
Example
The Lord of the classic.
Singular verb after the title “The Lord of the Rings”
Rule 18: Use a singular verb with amounts of money or periods of time as a subject
Rule
Example
Five hundred lot of money.
Singular verb after “five hundred dollars”
Rule 19: Use a singular verb with singular uncountable nouns as a subject
Rule
Example
The accurate.
Singular verb after the singular uncountable noun “information”
Rule 20: Use a singular verb with subjects that include the words “none” or “neither”
Rule
Example
None of the left after the party.
Singular verb after “none of the food”
These 20 rules of subject-verb agreement are not just grammatical guidelines, but windows into the intricate and fascinating world of the English language. By mastering these rules, we not only improve our communication skills but also gain a deeper appreciation for the nuances of language.
Subject-verb agreement is a vital aspect of effective communication. By ensuring that the subject and verb agree in number and person, we can convey our thoughts and ideas clearly and coherently. These 20 rules, along with their examples, serve as a valuable guide in understanding and applying subject-verb agreement in our daily communication. Let`s continue to explore and appreciate the beauty and complexity of the English language.
Legal FAQs: 20 Rules of Subject Verb Agreement and Their Examples
Question
Answer
1. What are the consequences of incorrect subject-verb agreement in legal writing?
Oh, it`s crucial! Incorrect agreement can weaken the legal argument`s impact and undermine the writer`s credibility. Judges and lawyers pay attention to precision and coherence, and a blatant error in subject-verb agreement can cause a raised eyebrow or, worse, a dismissal of the argument altogether.
2. Can you provide an example of subject-verb agreement in a legal context?
Sure thing! “The jury is deliberating” is a classic example. “Jury” is a noun, so the verb “is” also takes a form.
3. How can lawyers ensure proper subject-verb agreement in their writing?
Lawyers can benefit from creating a checklist of subject-verb agreement rules and referring to it during the drafting process. Revisiting and revising a document with those rules in mind can make a world of difference.
4. Are there any exceptions to the subject-verb agreement rules in legal writing?
While most subjects and their corresponding verbs must agree, there are a few exceptions. For instance, collective nouns can take either a singular or plural verb, depending on the context and the writer`s preference.
5. Can subject-verb agreement errors lead to legal disputes?
Not but they can certainly the and of legal documents, which in turn can lead to and disputes. Legal professionals strive for accuracy, and subject-verb agreement is part of that commitment.
6. What about subject-verb agreement in contracts and agreements?
Oh, it`s equally important there! Ambiguity in contracts can lead to costly disagreements, and subject-verb agreement plays a role in avoiding such ambiguity. Consistent and clear language is key in legal documents of all kinds.
7. Are there any subject-verb agreement resources specifically tailored to legal writing?
Yes, there are! Some legal writing guides and style manuals include sections dedicated to subject-verb agreement, offering advice and examples tailored to the legal context. They`re worth checking out for any lawyer or aspiring legal writer.
8. How can paralegals and legal assistants support subject-verb agreement in their work?
Paralegals and legal assistants can assist by proofreading and flagging any subject-verb agreement issues in the documents they handle. Their attention to detail can help ensure that the final product is grammatically sound.
9. Can subject-verb agreement impact the outcome of a legal case?
It`s unlikely to be the sole factor, but in the world of legal argumentation, every detail matters. Clarity and precision in legal writing can influence how a case is perceived, and subject-verb agreement is part of that equation.
10. Any final words of advice for legal professionals on subject-verb agreement?
Absolutely! Keep honing your writing skills, and never underestimate the power of grammatical precision. Subject-verb agreement may seem like a small detail, but it can make a big difference in the legal world.
Legal Contract: 20 Rules of Subject-Verb Agreement
This contract (the “Contract”) is made and entered into as of [Date] by and between the Parties listed below.