Subject-verb agreement is a fundamental aspect of the English language. It refers to the correct matching of a subject and its verb in a sentence. In class 7, students learn the basic rules of subject-verb agreement, which is an essential skill for effective communication in both written and spoken language.
Rule 1: Singular subjects take singular verbs, and plural subjects take plural verbs.
Example:
Singular: The boy runs in the park.
Plural: The boys run in the park.
Rule 2: When the subject is compound and joined by `and`, use a plural verb.
Example:
The dog and the cat chase each other around the room.
Rule 3: When the subject is compound and joined by `or` or `nor`, the verb agrees with the subject closest to it.
Example:
Either my friends or my brother is coming to the party tonight.
Rule 4: When the subject is a collective noun (a group of individuals), use a singular verb if the group is acting as one entity. Use a plural verb if the group is acting as individuals.
Example:
Singular: The team is ready to play.
Plural: The team are arguing among themselves.
Rule 5: When using `each`, `every` or `many a`, use a singular verb.
Example:
Each of the students has a different learning style.
Rule 6: When the subject is an indefinite pronoun (e.g., anyone, someone, everybody), use a singular verb.
Example:
Everybody in the room is waiting for the concert to start.
Rule 7: When the subject is a title, use a singular verb.
Example:
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is a classic novel.
Correct subject-verb agreement is crucial for clear and effective communication. Remember to match the subject and verb in number and use the correct form of the verb. By following these simple rules, students can improve their writing and speaking skills.