Subject-verb agreement is a fundamental concept in English grammar. It refers to the relationship between the subject and the verb in a sentence, where the verb must match the number of the subject. This means that singular subjects require singular verbs, and plural subjects require plural verbs.
Knowing proper subject-verb agreement is crucial, as it helps writers convey their ideas clearly and effectively. In this article, we`ll explore which sentence displays proper subject-verb agreement.
Example Sentence 1: The boy in the blue shirt play soccer every day.
The subject in this sentence is «the boy in the blue shirt,» which is singular. However, the verb «play» is plural. The correct verb that agrees with the singular subject would be «plays.» Therefore, this sentence displays improper subject-verb agreement.
Example Sentence 2: The boys in the blue shirts play soccer every day.
In this sentence, the subject is «the boys in the blue shirts,» which is plural. The verb «play» is also plural, making this sentence an example of proper subject-verb agreement. The verb correctly matches the number of the subject, making the sentence grammatically correct.
Example Sentence 3: The group of friends is going to the movies tonight.
The subject in this sentence is «the group of friends,» which is singular. The verb «is going» is also singular, making this sentence another example of proper subject-verb agreement. Again, the verb matches the number of the subject, making the sentence grammatically correct.
Example Sentence 4: The group of boys are going to the movies tonight.
In this sentence, the subject is «the group of boys,» which is plural. However, the verb «are going» is plural, indicating that improper subject-verb agreement is present. The correct verb for this subject would instead be «is going,» making the sentence grammatically correct.
In conclusion, knowing proper subject-verb agreement is essential for writing clear, effective sentences. By ensuring that the verb matches the subject`s number, writers can convey their ideas correctly and avoid grammatical errors. Remember to correctly define the subject in the sentence, whether it is singular or plural, and choose the appropriate verb form that agrees with it.
