Final answer:
Subject-verb agreement is an important concept in English grammar that ensures the correct agreement between the subject and the verb in a sentence. This detailed answer explains the rules and exceptions of subject-verb agreement, including compound subjects, subjects joined by 'or' or 'nor', indefinite pronouns, collective nouns, and nouns that seem plural. By understanding these rules, students can ensure grammatically correct and coherent sentences.
Step-by-step explanation:
Subject-Verb Agreement in English Grammar
Subject-verb agreement is an important concept in English grammar that ensures the correct agreement between the subject and the verb in a sentence. The subject and verb must agree in number, which means that a singular subject must have a singular verb, and a plural subject must have a plural verb. There are several rules and exceptions to consider when it comes to subject-verb agreement.
Compound Subjects: When two or more subjects are joined by 'and', the verb is usually plural. However, if the parts of the subject form a single idea or unit, the verb is singular. For example, 'Basketball and wrestling are my favorite sports' (plural) and 'Red beans and rice is my favorite meal' (singular).
Subjects Joined by 'or' or 'nor': When compound subjects are joined by 'or' or 'nor', the verb should agree with the word closest to it. For example, 'Either your uncles or your mother remembers your grandmother's gumbo recipe' (singular verb) and 'Either your mother or your uncles remember your grandmother's gumbo recipe' (plural verb).
Indefinite Pronouns: Some indefinite pronouns, such as 'all', 'any', 'enough', 'more', 'most', 'none', and 'some', can take either a singular or plural verb, depending on whether the word they refer to is singular or plural. For example, 'All of these students take at least one class in science or math' (plural verb).
Collective Nouns: Collective nouns, such as 'audience', 'band', 'class', 'crowd', 'family', 'group', or 'team', can take a singular or plural verb depending on the context. When group members act individually, use a plural verb, and when the group acts as a single unit, use a singular verb. For example, 'The band rehearses every Thursday' (singular verb) and 'The union (members) still disagree on the contract terms' (plural verb).
Nouns That Seem Plural: Some nouns that end in -s, such as 'athletics', 'economics', 'measles', 'news', 'physics', 'politics', and 'statistics', are usually treated as singular in meaning and take a singular verb. For example, 'Day after day, the news was bad'.
These are just a few examples of subject-verb agreement rules in English grammar. It's important to pay attention to the number and form of the subject and choose the appropriate verb accordingly. By following these rules, you can ensure grammatically correct and coherent sentences.