Subject-verb agreement is an essential grammar rule that ensures that the subject and verb in a sentence agree in number and tense. This grammatical rule is crucial for clear and straightforward communication in both written and spoken language.

To achieve subject-verb agreement, you must ensure that the subject and verb match in number. For example, if the subject is singular, the verb must also be singular. Similarly, if the subject is plural, the verb must also be plural.

For instance, consider the sentence, « The book is on the table. » Here, the subject, « book, » is singular, and the verb, « is, » is also singular. The verb « is » matches the subject « book » in number, making the sentence grammatically correct.

On the other hand, if the subject is plural, the verb must also be plural. For example, « The books are on the table. » Here, the subject, « books, » is plural, and the verb, « are, » is also plural. The verb « are » matches the subject « books » in number, making the sentence grammatically correct.

However, subject-verb agreement can be tricky when dealing with compound subjects or subject phrases that include plural forms. In such cases, the verb must agree with the subject closest to it in the sentence.

For example, consider the sentence, « The dog and the cat are hungry. » Here, the compound subject is « the dog and the cat, » which is plural. Thus, the verb « are » agrees with the subject « dog and cat, » making the sentence grammatically correct.

Another tricky aspect of subject-verb agreement is dealing with indefinite pronouns such as « everyone, » « someone, » and « anyone. » These pronouns are singular, and the verb following them must also be singular.

For instance, consider the sentence, « Everyone has their own unique talents. » Here, the subject « everyone » is singular, and the verb « has » is also singular. Again, the verb matches the subject in number, making the sentence grammatically correct.

In conclusion, subject-verb agreement is a crucial rule in grammar that ensures clear and effective communication. By paying attention to the number and tense of the subject and verb in a sentence, you can avoid grammatical errors and write more effectively. Always remember to match the verb with the subject in both number and tense for an accurate and grammatically correct sentence.