Definition of Subject Verb Agreement Wikipedia

NicoB

Subject-verb agreement is a fundamental concept in English grammar. It refers to the agreement between the subject and the verb in a sentence. Simply put, the subject and verb must agree in terms of person, number, and tense. For example, if the subject is singular, the verb must be singular as well.

Wikipedia, the world`s largest online encyclopedia, defines subject-verb agreement as « the agreement of a verb in number (singular or plural) and person (first, second, or third) with its subject. » The article goes on to explain that this agreement is crucial for clear and effective communication in written and spoken English.

The Wikipedia article on subject-verb agreement provides detailed information on the various rules that govern this concept. It explains that the basic rule is that a singular subject takes a singular verb, while a plural subject takes a plural verb. For instance, « he walks » and « they walk » both demonstrate proper subject-verb agreement.

Moreover, the article also covers certain exceptions to the basic rule. For instance, collective nouns (words that refer to a group or collection) can take either a singular or a plural verb depending on the context of the sentence. For example, « The team is playing well » and « The team are playing well » are both correct, but the former is more commonly used in American English.

The article further discusses subject-verb agreement in questions, compound subjects, inverted sentences, and in sentences with indefinite pronouns. It also highlights common mistakes made by speakers and writers, such as subject-verb disagreement in sentences that include prepositional phrases or clauses.

Overall, the Wikipedia article on subject-verb agreement is a valuable resource for anyone looking to improve their understanding of this vital concept in English grammar. Whether you are a student, an educator, or a professional writer, this article is a must-read for clear and effective communication.