What is the technique for taking a subject-verb agreement test?

Subject-verb agreement is a grammatical rule that stipulates that the verb in a sentence must agree in number (singular or plural) with the subject. When the subject is singular, the verb should be singular, and when the subject is plural, the verb should be plural. This agreement ensures clarity and grammatical correctness in sentences. Examples include "The dog barks" (singular subject "dog" agrees with singular verb "barks") and "The dogs bark" (plural subject "dogs" agrees with plural verb "bark"). Errors in subject-verb agreement can lead to confusion and affect the overall coherence of writing.

More Examples of Subject - Verb Agreement

Incorrect: The list of items are on the table.

Correct: The list of items is on the table.

Explanation: The subject "list" is singular, so it requires the singular verb "is."

Incorrect: Each of the students have a locker.

Correct: Each of the students has a locker.

Explanation: "Each" is a singular subject and requires the singular verb "has."

Incorrect: The team were arguing about the strategy.

Correct: The team was arguing about the strategy.

Explanation: "Team" is a collective noun treated as singular, so it requires the singular verb "was."

Incorrect: Neither the manager nor the employees knows the answer.

Correct: Neither the manager nor the employees know the answer.

Explanation: When subjects are joined by "neither/nor," the verb should agree with the nearer subject. Here, "employees" is plural, so the verb should be "know."

Incorrect: The data shows interesting trends.

Correct: The data show interesting trends.

Explanation: "Data" is a plural noun, so it requires the plural verb "show."

Incorrect: A bouquet of flowers make a beautiful gift.

Correct: A bouquet of flowers makes a beautiful gift.

Explanation: The subject "bouquet" is singular, so it requires the singular verb "makes."

Incorrect: There is many options to consider.

Correct: There are many options to consider.

Explanation: The subject "options" is plural, so it requires the plural verb "are."

Incorrect: The committee have made their decision.

Correct: The committee has made its decision.

Explanation: "Committee" is a collective noun treated as singular in American English, so it requires the singular verb "has" and the singular pronoun "its."

Incorrect: Mathematics are my favorite subject.

Correct: Mathematics is my favorite subject.

Explanation: "Mathematics" is a singular subject, despite ending in -s, so it requires the singular verb "is."

Incorrect: The scissors is on the table.

Correct: The scissors are on the table.

Explanation: "Scissors" is a plural noun and requires the plural verb "are."

Technique for Taking a Subject-Verb Agreement Test

1. Identify the Subject:

• Determine the subject of the sentence, which is usually a noun or pronoun.

2. Recognize Singular and Plural Subjects:

• Singular subjects refer to one person, thing, or idea (e.g., "dog," "she").
• Plural subjects refer to more than one person, thing, or idea (e.g., "dogs," "they").

3. Match the Verb to the Subject:

• Singular subjects require singular verbs, while plural subjects require plural verbs.
• For singular subjects, add "-s" or "-es" to the base form of the verb (e.g., "barks," "runs").
• For plural subjects, use the base form of the verb without adding any suffix (e.g., "bark," "run").

4. Watch for Agreement with Compound Subjects:

• Compound subjects joined by "and" usually take a plural verb (e.g., "The cat and the dog play").
• When the subjects are connected by "or" or "nor," the verb agrees with the closer subject (e.g., "Neither the cat nor the dogs are here").

5. Be Aware of Indefinite Pronouns:

• Indefinite pronouns like "everyone," "anyone," and "nobody" are singular and take singular verbs (e.g., "Everyone is here").

6. Practice with Exercises:

• Engage in exercises that focus on identifying and correcting subject-verb agreement errors.
• Review examples to reinforce the correct usage of singular and plural verbs.

By applying these techniques, you can effectively navigate subject-verb agreement tests and improve your writing accuracy.