Learning English subject-verb agreement can be a daunting task, but it is a crucial aspect of mastering the language. Subject-verb agreement refers to the grammatical rule which states that the subject of a sentence and its corresponding verb should agree in number and person.

In basic terms, if the subject is singular, the verb should be singular. Similarly, if the subject is plural, the verb should be plural as well. For example, “He walks” is grammatically correct, whereas “He walk” is incorrect due to the mismatch of the singular subject and plural verb.

To master subject-verb agreement, it is important to understand the different rules that govern it. Below are some of the most important ones to keep in mind:

1. Singular subjects take singular verbs.

Examples:

– The cat runs in the yard.

– The teacher explains the lesson.

2. Plural subjects take plural verbs.

Examples:

– The cats run in the yard.

– The teachers explain the lesson.

3. Compound subjects connected by “and” take plural verbs.

Examples:

– John and Sarah are going to the party.

– The dog and the cat are playing in the garden.

4. When a singular noun is connected to a plural noun by “or” or “nor,” the verb agrees with the noun closest to it.

Examples:

– Neither the cat nor the dogs are in the yard.

– Either the dogs or the cat is in the yard.

5. When a verb is followed by “with” and a noun or pronoun, the verb agrees with the noun or pronoun.

Examples:

– The team is playing with their captain.

– The captain of the team is playing with them.

6. Indefinite pronouns such as “everyone,” “someone,” and “nobody” take singular verbs.

Examples:

– Everyone is ready to go.

– Nobody knows the answer.

7. Collective nouns such as “group,” “team,” and “family” may take either singular or plural verbs depending on the context.

Examples:

– The team is playing well. (singular)

– The team are arguing amongst themselves. (plural)

Learning and mastering subject-verb agreement is a gradual process that requires dedication and practice. Keep these rules in mind, and apply them consistently to your writing and speech. Remember, proper grammar is an essential part of effective communication.