Subject-verb agreement refers to ensuring that the subject and the verb in a sentence match in number (singular or plural). Here are 10 essential rules for subject-verb agreement:

1. Singular subjects take singular verbs; plural subjects take plural verbs:

– Example:
– The dog barks. (singular)
– The dogs bark. (plural)

 2. When two subjects are joined by “and,” use a plural verb:

– Example:
– The cat and the dog are friendly.
– Exception: If the subjects refer to the same entity or are considered one unit, use a singular verb.
– Example:
– Peanut butter and jelly is my favorite sandwich.

 3. When subjects are joined by “or” or “nor,” the verb agrees with the subject closest to it:

– Example:
– Neither the teacher nor the students are ready.
– Either the manager or the employee is responsible.

 4. Collective nouns (e.g., team, group, family) can take either singular or plural verbs depending on context:

– If the collective noun acts as a single unit, use a singular verb.
– Example:
– The team is winning.
– If the members of the group are acting individually, use a plural verb.
– Example:
– The team are arguing among themselves.

5. Indefinite pronouns usually take singular verbs:

– Pronouns such as everyone, everyone, each, neither, somebody, etc., are singular.
– Example:
– Everyone is excited for the trip.
– Each of the books has been read.

 6. “None” can take a singular or plural verb depending on the context:

– Use a singular verb when “none” refers to “not one” or “no one.”
– Use a plural verb when it refers to “none of them.”
– Example:
– None of the cake is left.
– None of the students have finished the exam.

 7. Subjects preceded by “each,” “every,” or “many a” take singular verbs:

– Example:
– Every student has a book.
– Each of the cars is parked outside.

 8. When the subject follows the verb (in sentences beginning with “here” or “there”), the verb agrees with the subject:

– Example:
– There is a book on the table.
– Here are the reports you requested.

 9. Subjects with “a number of” and “the number of”:

– “A number of” takes a plural verb.
– Example:
– A number of people are attending the meeting.
– “The number of” takes a singular verb.
– Example:
– The number of participants is growing.

 10. Titles of singular entities (books, movies, etc.) take singular verbs:

– Even if the title appears plural, treat it as singular.
– Example:
– “The Chronicles of Narnia” is a great book series.

By following these rules, you can ensure your subjects and verbs agree properly, making your writing clearer and grammatically correct.