As a professional, I understand the importance of creating content that not only reads well, but also ranks well in search engine results. One way to achieve this is by mastering subject-verb agreement. In this article, we will explore 20 different types of subject-verb agreement and provide examples to help you improve your writing.

1. Singular subject with a singular verb

Example: The cat chases the mouse.

2. Plural subject with a plural verb

Example: The cats chase the mice.

3. Singular subject with a plural verb

Example: The cat and the dog chase the mouse.

4. Plural subject with a singular verb

Example: The team is playing well.

5. Indefinite pronoun as subject

When an indefinite pronoun is the subject of the sentence, the verb should match the pronoun`s number.

Example: Everyone enjoys a good meal.

6. Collective nouns

When a collective noun is the subject of the sentence, the verb can be singular or plural, depending on the context.

Example: The team is playing well. (singular verb)

Example: The team are arguing over the strategy. (plural verb)

7. Compound subjects

When two or more subjects are connected with “and,” the verb should be plural.

Example: Tina and Tim are going to the store.

8. Compound subjects with different numbers

When two or more subjects are connected with “and,” and one of them is singular and the other plural, the verb should be plural.

Example: The book and the pencils are on the table.

9. Compound subjects with “or” or “nor”

When two or more subjects are connected with “or” or “nor,” the verb should agree with the subject nearest to it.

Example: Neither the cat nor the dog is allowed on the couch.

10. Intervening phrases

Intervening phrases between the subject and verb should not affect the agreement.

Example: The dog, along with its owner, goes for a walk.

11. Present tense

In present tense, the verb should end with “s” when the subject is third-person singular.

Example: He walks to school every day.

12. Past tense

In past tense, regular verbs should end with “ed.”

Example: She danced all night.

13. Irregular verbs

Irregular verbs change form in the past tense, and their spelling is not consistent.

Example: He swam across the lake.

14. Present perfect tense

In present perfect tense, the verb should match the subject, and “has” or “have” should be used.

Example: They have studied hard for the test.

15. Past perfect tense

In past perfect tense, “had” is used before the past participle.

Example: She had written the report before the deadline.

16. Future tense

In future tense, “will” or “shall” is used before the verb.

Example: The train will arrive at 8 p.m.

17. Conditional sentences

In conditional sentences, “would” is used before the verb.

Example: If it rains, we would stay inside.

18. Imperative sentences

In imperative sentences, the subject is implied, and the verb is in the base form.

Example: Stop talking!

19. Infinitive phrases

Infinitive phrases are treated as singular.

Example: To study is important.

20. Gerunds

Gerunds are treated as singular.

Example: Singing is her favorite hobby.

By understanding these 20 types of subject-verb agreement, you can improve the quality of your writing and increase your chances of ranking higher in search engine results pages. Remember to always proofread your work and pay attention to the subject-verb agreement to create content that reads well and is optimized for SEO.