Subject-verb agreement is one of the most basic yet crucial concepts in English grammar, particularly for students in Class 9. It refers to the agreement between the subject of a sentence and the verb used to describe it. A proper understanding of the rules of subject-verb agreement can help students improve their writing and communication skills. In this article, we`ll take a closer look at the rules of subject-verb agreement for Class 9 students.
Rule 1: The subject and the verb must agree in number.
The first rule of subject-verb agreement is that the subject and the verb must agree in number. This means that if the subject is singular, the verb must also be singular, and if the subject is plural, the verb must also be plural. For example:
Correct: The cat meows loudly. (singular subject, singular verb)
Correct: The cats meow loudly. (plural subject, plural verb)
Rule 2: The verb must agree with the subject in person.
In addition to number, the verb must also agree with the subject in person. This means that the verb must match the person of the subject, whether it is first, second, or third person. For example:
Correct: I am feeling happy. (first person singular subject, first person singular verb)
Correct: She sings beautifully. (third person singular subject, third person singular verb)
Rule 3: Singular indefinite pronouns take singular verbs.
Singular indefinite pronouns, such as everybody, anybody, and each, take singular verbs. Examples include:
Correct: Everybody is here.
Correct: Each student has their own book.
Rule 4: Use the correct verb with collective nouns.
When using collective nouns, such as team, family, or class, the verb should indicate whether the group is acting as a single unit or as individuals. For example:
Correct: The team is playing well. (the team is acting as one unit)
Correct: The team are arguing amongst themselves. (the team members are acting as individuals)
Rule 5: Use a singular verb with singular subjects joined by “or” or “nor.”
When using singular subjects joined by “or” or “nor,” you should use a singular verb. For example:
Correct: Neither Mike nor his friends is coming to the party.
Rule 6: Use a plural verb with plural subjects joined by “and.”
When using plural subjects joined by “and,” you should use a plural verb. For example:
Correct: Tom and Jerry are best friends.
In conclusion, understanding the rules of subject-verb agreement is crucial for Class 9 students to improve their writing and communication skills. By applying these rules in their writing, they can ensure that their sentences are grammatically correct and convey their intended meaning.