Subject-verb agreement is a crucial aspect of the English language. It refers to the correct matching of the subject and the verb in a sentence. Many people struggle with subject-verb agreement, which can result in confusing and grammatically incorrect sentences. However, there is a jingle that can help anyone to understand and master this essential grammar rule.
The subject-verb agreement jingle goes like this:
If the subject is singular, the verb must be too,
If the subject is plural, the verb suffix changes to -s or -es,
Follow this rule and your grammar will be great,
And your sentences will always sound first-rate.
This jingle might seem silly or childish, but it is an effective tool for learning subject-verb agreement. It simplifies a complex grammar rule into a catchy rhyme that is easy to remember. By following this jingle, you can avoid common mistakes such as using a plural verb with a singular subject or vice versa.
Let`s take a look at some examples of subject-verb agreement using this jingle:
Example 1: The cat plays with the ball.
In this sentence, the subject (cat) is singular, so the verb (plays) also needs to be singular.
Example 2: The cats play with the balls.
In this sentence, the subject (cats) is plural, so the verb (play) needs to have the -s suffix to match the subject.
Example 3: The team of scientists is conducting research.
In this sentence, the subject (team) is singular, even though it is composed of multiple people. Therefore, the verb (is conducting) needs to be singular as well.
Example 4: The group of students are excited for the field trip.
In this sentence, the subject (group) is singular, but the verb (are excited) is plural, which is incorrect. Instead, the correct verb would be “is excited” to match the subject.
In conclusion, subject-verb agreement is a key component of proper English grammar. By using the subject-verb agreement jingle, anyone can master this grammar rule and avoid making common mistakes. So next time you write a sentence, remember the jingle: “If the subject is singular, the verb must be too. If the subject is plural, the verb suffix changes to -s or -es.”