Final answer:
The fundamental Rule 1 for subject-verb agreement in English mandates that a singular subject must be paired with a singular verb and a plural subject with a plural verb. Compound subjects joined by 'and' typically require a plural verb, unless they form a singular idea, wherein a singular verb is used. When 'or' or 'nor' connects subjects, the verb agrees with the nearest subject.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding Subject-Verb Agreement Rules
In English grammar, particularly in the context of constructing sentences, understanding the foundational rule for subjects, verbs, and their agreement is essential. Rule 1 of subject-verb agreement states that a singular subject must have a singular verb (e.g., 'The bus leaves in five minutes'), and a plural subject must have a plural verb (e.g., 'The buses leave in five minutes'). This adherence to subject-verb agreement ensures clarity and coherence in writing and speech.
There are specifics to remember for compound subjects. When subjects are joined by 'and,' the verb is generally plural (e.g., 'Yoga and meditation are effective activities for relieving stress'). However, if the compound subject forms a single idea or unit, a singular verb is used (e.g., 'Macaroni and cheese is my favorite meal'). When 'or' or 'nor' connects the subjects, the verb should agree with the nearest subject (e.g., 'Either your aunts or your mother remembers where your great-grandmother's grave is located').
In instances where the subject is not directly before the verb due to intervening phrases or when the sentence structure inverts the conventional subject-verb order, the original subject-verb agreement rule still applies. For example, 'A box of invitations with stamps and return addresses was on the desk' and 'Are James and Tamara at the front of the line?' demonstrate this continued agreement despite rearranged syntax.