Each Verb Singular Or Plural

Understanding Singular and Plural Verbs: A Comprehensive Guide

Understanding the difference between singular and plural verbs is crucial for writing grammatically correct and clear sentences. This comprehensive guide will delve into the intricacies of subject-verb agreement, exploring various scenarios and exceptions to help you master this fundamental aspect of English grammar. We'll cover regular and irregular verbs, collective nouns, and compound subjects, providing you with a solid foundation for confident writing.

Introduction: The Basics of Subject-Verb Agreement

Subject-verb agreement is the grammatical rule that dictates that a verb must agree in number with its subject. This means that a singular subject takes a singular verb, while a plural subject takes a plural verb. While seemingly simple, this rule can become complex when dealing with various grammatical structures and exceptions. This article will break down these complexities, clarifying the rules and exceptions to ensure you can confidently identify and use the correct verb form.

Singular Verbs: Identifying and Using Them

Singular verbs typically end in "-s" or "-es" in the present tense. This applies to the third-person singular (he, she, it, singular noun). Let's look at some examples:

• He walks to school every day.
• She sings beautifully.
• The cat sleeps all day.
• My dog chases squirrels.
• The book explains the concept clearly.

However, remember that this "-s" or "-es" ending only applies to the present simple tense. Past tense verbs, regardless of whether the subject is singular or plural, do not take the "-s" or "-es" ending.

• He walked to school yesterday. (Past tense, singular subject)
• They walked to the park. (Past tense, plural subject)

Irregular Verbs and Singular Subjects: Irregular verbs don't follow the standard "-ed" past tense rule. They change form in unpredictable ways. However, the principle of subject-verb agreement still applies. They still take a singular verb in the present tense third person singular.

• He goes to the gym. (Present tense, singular subject)
• She has a beautiful voice. (Present tense, singular subject)
• It does not matter. (Present tense, singular subject)

Plural Verbs: Identifying and Using Them

Plural verbs, in contrast to singular verbs, generally do not end in "-s" or "-es" in the present tense. They match with plural subjects (they, we, you, plural nouns).

• They walk to school every day.
• We sing in the choir.
• The cats sleep all day.
• My dogs chase squirrels.
• The books explain the concepts clearly.

Again, remember that this applies to the present simple tense. In past tense, plural verbs don't take the "-s" or "-es" ending, just like singular verbs.

Dealing with Collective Nouns: Singular or Plural?

Collective nouns refer to groups of individuals or things (e.g., team, family, committee, class). The tricky part is that they can sometimes take either a singular or plural verb, depending on the context.

• Singular: When the group acts as a single unit, use a singular verb.

  • The team is playing well this season.
  • My family is going on vacation.
  • The committee has reached a decision.

• Plural: When the members of the group are acting individually, use a plural verb.

  • The team are arguing amongst themselves.
  • My family are all going their separate ways.
  • The committee are divided on the issue.

This choice depends on whether you're emphasizing the group's unity or the individuals within it.

Compound Subjects: Handling Multiple Subjects

Compound subjects consist of two or more subjects joined by conjunctions like and, or, and nor. The verb choice depends on the conjunction.

• And: With and, use a plural verb.

  • John and Mary are going to the party.
  • The cat and the dog are playing together.

• Or/Nor: With or or nor, the verb agrees with the subject closest to it.

  • Neither the dog nor the cats are allowed inside.
  • Either John or Mary is going to the party.

Indefinite Pronouns: Singular or Plural Verbs?

Indefinite pronouns (e.g., someone, anyone, everyone, no one, everybody, anybody, nobody, somebody) are always singular and take singular verbs.

• Everyone is invited to the party.
• Somebody has taken my pen.
• No one knows the answer.

However, pronouns like both, few, many, several are always plural and require plural verbs.

• Many are called, but few are chosen.
• Several have already left.

Pronouns like some, all, any, none, most can be singular or plural, depending on the noun they refer to.

• Some of the cake is left. (Singular)
• Some of the students are absent. (Plural)

Intervening Phrases: Don't Be Misled

Phrases or clauses between the subject and the verb should not affect the verb's agreement. Focus on the main subject.

• The dog, along with his puppies, is playing in the yard. (The main subject is "dog," which is singular.)
• The books, including the reference manuals, are on the shelf. (The main subject is "books," which is plural.)

Units of Measurement: Singular or Plural?

Units of measurement (e.g., five dollars, ten pounds, two miles) generally take singular verbs.

• Five dollars is the price of the book.
• Ten pounds is too heavy to lift.

Titles of Works: Singular Verbs

Titles of books, movies, and other works of art are always singular and take singular verbs, even if the title itself is plural.

• "The Great Gatsby" is a classic novel.
• "The Simpsons" is a long-running television show.

Exceptions and Special Cases

Even with these comprehensive guidelines, English grammar always has its quirks. Here are some more specific cases you might encounter:

• Inverted sentences: In sentences beginning with there or here, the verb agrees with the subject that follows it.

  • There is a cat in the garden.
  • Here are the keys.

• Expressions of quantity: These often take singular verbs when referring to a single unit.

  • A total of ten dollars is due.
  • Half of the pie is gone.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What if my subject is a fraction?

A: The verb agrees with the noun the fraction modifies. "One-third of the apples is rotten" (apples is singular), but "One-third of the apples are bruised" (apples are plural, indicating multiple bruised apples).

Q: How do I handle collective nouns that are used ambiguously?

A: If ambiguity exists, rephrase the sentence to clarify whether you're referring to the group as a whole or its individual members.

Q: What about gerunds or infinitives as subjects?

A: Gerunds (-ing words) and infinitives (to + verb) are always singular.

* **Running is** good exercise.
* **To err is** human.

Q: Are there any online resources to help me practice subject-verb agreement?

A: Many online grammar exercises and quizzes are available; searching for "subject-verb agreement practice" will yield numerous helpful results.

Conclusion: Mastering Subject-Verb Agreement

Mastering subject-verb agreement is a cornerstone of grammatical accuracy. While the rules might seem intricate at first, with consistent practice and attention to detail, you can confidently navigate the complexities of singular and plural verbs. Remember to focus on the subject, consider the context, and account for exceptions to achieve clear and grammatically sound writing. By understanding the nuances discussed in this guide, you'll enhance the clarity and professionalism of your writing, significantly improving your communication skills. Continue to practice and refine your understanding, and you'll soon find subject-verb agreement becoming second nature.