Subject-verb agreement is crucial in the English language to ensure a grammatically correct sentence. This means that the subject and verb in a sentence must agree in number, meaning that singular subjects take singular verbs, and plural subjects take plural verbs. Here are 20 subject-verb agreement rules to help you communicate effectively and accurately.

1. A singular subject must take a singular verb. For example, “The boy runs.”

2. A plural subject must take a plural verb. For example, “The boys run.”

3. When the subject includes both singular and plural nouns, the verb agrees with the closest noun. For example, “The boy and girls run.”

4. Subjects linked by “and” are usually plural and require a plural verb. For example, “The dogs and cats chase each other.”

5. When two subjects are joined by “or” or “nor,” the verb agrees with the closest subject. For example, “Neither the cat nor the dog likes the rain.”

6. When the subject is a collective noun, the verb can be either singular or plural, depending on the context. For example, “The team is playing tonight” or “The team are arguing among themselves.”

7. When the subject is a compound subject, joined by “and,” the verb is usually plural. For example, “The apples and oranges are ripe.”

8. When the subject is a compound subject, joined by “or” or “nor,” the verb agrees with the closest subject. For example, “Either my sister or my brother is coming with me.”

9. When using “each” or “every” before a singular subject, the verb is also singular. For example, “Every student has their own desk.”

10. When using “none” or “no” before a singular subject, the verb is also singular. For example, “None of the food is left.”

11. Indefinite pronouns, such as “everyone,” “someone,” and “anyone,” take singular verbs. For example, “Someone is knocking on the door.”

12. When using “many of,” “some of,” or “a lot of” before a plural subject, the verb is also plural. For example, “Many of the students are studying for the exam.”

13. When using “more than one” before a subject, the verb is usually plural. For example, “More than one person knows the answer.”

14. Titles and names of organizations, teams, and groups take a singular verb. For example, “The team plays well.”

15. Words between the subject and verb do not change the verb`s form. For example, “The boy, who is tall, runs.”

16. Collective nouns, such as “jury,” “family,” and “team,” can be singular or plural depending on the context. For example, “The family is going on vacation” or “The family members are arguing.”

17. Quantities of time or money take singular verbs. For example, “Ten dollars is all I have.”

18. Expressions of measurement take singular verbs. For example, “Three cups of coffee is enough for me.”

19. Expressions of amount take singular verbs when the amount is considered a whole. For example, “Fifty percent of the class was absent.”

20. Intervening phrases or clauses do not affect subject-verb agreement. For example, “The student, who is always late, is in the classroom.”

In conclusion, subject-verb agreement is essential in creating grammatically correct sentences. These 20 subject-verb agreement rules and examples can help you improve your writing and communicate more effectively. Remember to always double-check your subject and verb to ensure agreement, and your writing will be clear, concise, and accurate.