Mastering Subject-Verb Agreement: Singular, Dual, and Plural

Understanding the nuances of subject-verb agreement is crucial for clear and precise communication in English. This article deciphers the rules governing singular, dual, and plural subjects and verbs, providing practical examples and exercises to help you master this fundamental aspect of grammar.

The Basics of Subject-Verb Agreement

Before delving into singular, dual, and plural agreements, it's essential to grasp the basics of subject-verb agreement. In English, the subject of a sentence must agree with the verb in person and number. Person refers to the first person (I, we), second person (you), or third person (he, she, it, they). Number can be either singular (one) or plural (more than one).

Singular Subject-Verb Agreement

When a sentence has a singular subject, the corresponding verb should be in singular form.

I am a  has a  dog barks loudly.

Common exceptions include collective nouns (such as team, committee, etc.), which can be treated as singular or plural depending on the context. For example:

*Math The team is ready for the game.* *Math The team are divided on this issue.*

Also, certain nouns that refer to a single entity but use plural form (such as scissors, trousers, etc.) should be treated as plural verbs.

Dual Subject-Verb Agreement

In English, the concept of "dual" typically comes into play when referring to a pair or two items. While "dual" can be interpreted as a specific type of plural (meaning two), it is not a distinct grammatical category in modern English. However, certain terms are used to refer to pairs, and these terms can affect how the verb is conjugated.

Dual Nouns

Nouns that inherently refer to a pair, such as "bow and arrow" or "wrestlers," are treated as singular:

The bow and arrow are displayed in the  wrestlers are engaging in a fierce match.

Dual Subjects in Phrases

When using phrases that indicate two items or people, the verb should be in plural form, since it refers to two subjects:

The Crown Prince and Princess have promised to visit.

Plural Subject-Verb Agreement

When a sentence has a plural subject, the corresponding verb should be in plural form.

They are  have many  dogs bark incessantly.

Plural subjects include general nouns and pronouns that indicate more than one person or thing. Common plural pronouns include "we," "you," "they," and "he/she/it" (referring to more than one person or thing).

Common Errors and Exceptions

Here are some common errors and exceptions related to subject-verb agreement:

Errors with Collective Nouns

As mentioned earlier, collective nouns can be treated as either singular or plural. The choice depends on whether the focus is on the group as a whole or its individual members. Consistency is crucial in these cases.

Errors with Nouns Referencing a Single Entity

Nouns like "scissors" and "trousers" are a pair but are treated as plural verbs. Be cautious with nouns like these when determining subject-verb agreement.

Practical Exercises and Tips

To improve your understanding of subject-verb agreement, practice with the following exercises:

Exercise: Complete the Sentences

Complete the following sentences with the appropriate subject-verb agreement:

The committee is meeting to discuss the new policy. The gloves are new and expensive. The couple have been married for ten years. We enjoy playing chess together. She and he are both actors.

Tips for Mastery

Consistent reading and practice are key to mastering subject-verb agreement. Pay close attention to how subjects and verbs match in number and person, and be mindful of exceptions like collective nouns and dual terms.

Conclusion

Subject-verb agreement plays a vital role in clear and coherent communication. Whether dealing with singular, dual, or plural subjects, understanding the rules and exceptions will help you maintain proper grammar and improve your writing. Regular practice and attentive reading are your best tools in achieving fluency in this aspect of English grammar.