Mastering Subject-Verb Agreement and Pluralization
Mastering Subject-Verb Agreement and Pluralization: A Reference Guide
Understanding subject-verb agreement and pluralization rules in English is essential to crafting grammatically correct sentences. This comprehensive guide will help you perfect these fundamental rules, ensuring clarity and precision in your communication.
What is Subject-Verb Agreement?
Subject-verb agreement refers to the match between the subject of a sentence and its verb in terms of number (singular or plural). If the subject is singular, the verb must also be singular. Similarly, if the subject is plural, the verb must be plural.
Basic Rules of Subject-Verb Agreement
Singular Subjects: Use a singular verb.
- Example: The dog barks loudly.
Plural Subjects: Use a plural verb.
- Example: The dogs bark loudly.
Indefinite Pronouns: Words like "everyone," "someone," and "nobody" take singular verbs.
- Example: Everyone wants to go.
Compound Subjects: When subjects are joined by "and," use a plural verb.
- Example: The cat and the dog are friendly.
Collective Nouns: These can be singular or plural based on whether the group acts as one unit or individuals.
- Example: The team runs quickly (acting as a unit).
Compound Subjects with 'or' or 'nor': The verb agrees with the nearest subject.
- Example: Neither the teacher nor the students were prepared.
Common Mistakes in Subject-Verb Agreement
"It" and Third Person Singular Verbs: A frequent error involves forgetting the third person singular form of verbs with the pronoun "it."
- Incorrect: It cost $500.
- Correct: It costs $500.
Special Nouns: For nouns that are plural in form but singular in meaning, like "news," use singular verbs.
- Example: The news is shocking.
What is Pluralization?
Pluralization in English involves altering a noun to signify that there is more than one. Most often, this is achieved by adding an "s" or "es" to the end of the word.
Basic Rules of Pluralization
Regular Pluralization: Add "s" to most nouns.
- Example: Book becomes books.
Nouns Ending in s, x, ch, sh, or z: Add "es."
- Example: Box becomes boxes.
Nouns Ending in y: Change "y" to "ies" if the y follows a consonant.
- Example: Lady becomes ladies.
- If the y follows a vowel, simply add "s."
- Example: Key becomes keys.
Nouns Ending in f or fe: Change to "ves."
- Example: Leaf becomes leaves.
Irregular Plurals: Some words do not follow standard rules.
- Example: Child becomes children.
Common Mistakes in Pluralization
Monetary Values: When discussing amounts of money, ensure proper pluralization.
- Incorrect: It costs 500 dollar.
- Correct: It costs 500 dollars.
Unchanging Plurals and Singulars: Some nouns remain the same in both singular and plural form.
- Example: Sheep is still sheep in plural.
Advanced Considerations
Subject-Verb Agreement with Different Structures
Fractional and Percentage Expressions: The verb agrees with the noun following the fraction or percentage.
- Example: Fifty percent of the cake is gone.
- Example: Fifty percent of the cakes are gone.
Titles and Names: These can be plural in form but require a singular verb because they refer to one entity.
- Example: "Great Expectations" is a novel.
Pluralization Exceptions
Foreign Words: Often retain original plurals.
- Example: The plural of "bacterium" is bacteria.
Mass Nouns: Nouns like "water" or "sand" often remain singular as they represent uncountable quantities.
- Example: Water is essential to life.
Key Takeaways
Understanding subject-verb agreement and pluralization is crucial for effective communication. Always match your verb with the subject in both number and person. Ensure pluralization accuracy by applying the basic rules, while also noting exceptions and peculiarities. Correct sentences ensure your message is delivered cleanly and professionally every time.
By mastering these conventions, you'll boost your writing clarity and make a strong impression in both casual and formal settings. Keep these guidelines in mind, and you'll navigate English grammar with confidence and ease.