Subject-verb agreement is a crucial aspect of English grammar that determines the accuracy and clarity of sentences. It is the agreement between the subject and the verb in a sentence, which means that both should agree in number (singular or plural).
Grade 8 students are expected to master the rules of subject-verb agreement as it is a fundamental element in writing and communication. In this article, we will highlight some essential rules that Grade 8 students should understand when writing subject-verb agreement sentences.
Rule 1: Singular Subjects take Singular Verbs; Plural Subjects take Plural Verbs.
This rule is a basic principle of subject-verb agreement. It means that singular subjects take singular verbs, whereas plural subjects take plural verbs. For example:
✔ The cat (singular subject) is sleeping (singular verb).
✔ The cats (plural subject) are sleeping (plural verb).
Incorrect: The cat are sleeping.
Rule 2: When a singular subject is connected by “or” or “nor” to another singular subject, use a singular verb.
When two singular subjects are connected by “or” or “nor,” the verb should agree with the subject closest to it. For example:
✔ Neither the teacher nor the students were happy.
✔ Neither the students nor the teacher was happy.
Incorrect: Neither the teacher nor the students was happy.
Rule 3: Singular Indefinite Pronouns take a Singular Verb.
Indefinite pronouns are words that refer to an unspecified person, thing, or idea. Singular indefinite pronouns take singular verbs. For example:
✔ Each student here has a book.
✔ Everyone is happy about it.
Incorrect: Each student here have a book.
Rule 4: Collective Nouns take a Singular Verb when referring to a single unit; otherwise, it takes a Plural Verb.
Collective nouns are words that refer to groups of people or things. They can be singular or plural, depending on how they are used in a sentence. When they refer to a single unit, a singular verb is used. Otherwise, a plural verb is used. For example:
✔ The team is playing well today. (refers to the entire team as a single unit)
✔ The team members are practicing for tomorrow`s game. (refers to each individual member of the team)
Incorrect: The team are playing well today.
Rule 5: When the subject is made up of both singular and plural nouns, use a plural verb that agrees with the closest noun.
When a sentence contains both singular and plural nouns, the verb should agree with the closest noun. For example:
✔ The boy and his friends are playing basketball.
✔ The girl and her cousins are going to the park.
Incorrect: The boy and his friends is playing basketball.
In conclusion, it is essential to understand the rules of subject-verb agreement to write clear and precise sentences. Grade 8 students must practice and apply these rules to enhance their writing skills, making their writing more effective, and impressive.