Final answer:
The sentence with correct subject-verb agreement is 'The lapping of the water on the edge of the lake relaxes me.' Subject-verb agreement requires a singular subject to be paired with a singular verb, which is correctly done in this sentence.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question we are addressing is about subject-verb agreement, which is a key rule in English grammar that stipulates the verb must match the number and person of the subject. The correct sentence with proper subject-verb agreement from the given options is: "The lapping of the water on the edge of the lake relaxes me." In this sentence, 'the lapping of the water on the edge of the lake' is a singular noun phrase that serves as the subject, and hence the verb 'relaxes', which is singular, agrees with it. Incorrect variations would involve mismatching the number (singular/plural) of the subject with the verb.
In sentences with compound subjects joined by 'and', a plural verb is usually used (e.g., Yoga and meditation are effective activities for relieving stress) unless the compound subject forms a single idea or unit (e.g., Macaroni and cheese is my favorite meal). When subjects are joined by 'or' or 'nor', the verb should agree with the part of the subject closest to the verb (e.g., Neither the image nor the words convey the message of the advertisement clearly).
Moreover, even when words come between the subject and the verb, or when the verb precedes the subject, the verb must still agree with the subject in number (e.g., A box of invitations with stamps and return addresses was on the desk).
Understanding subject-verb agreement is essential to writing sentences that are both grammatically correct and clear in meaning. By mastering this aspect of grammar, students can improve the quality and coherence of their writing, whether in everyday communication or in academic contexts.