Subject-verb agreement is one of the foundational rules of grammar. It states that the subject and the verb in a sentence must agree in number (singular or plural). However, when it comes to plural nouns, things can get a little more complicated. In this article, we will discuss subject-verb agreement with plural nouns.

Plural Nouns

Plural nouns are words that refer to more than one person, place, thing, or idea. Examples of plural nouns include dogs, cats, houses, books, and ideas. When using a plural noun as the subject of a sentence, it is important to ensure that the verb agrees with it in number.

Subject-Verb Agreement with Plural Nouns

The rule for subject-verb agreement with plural nouns is relatively simple. If the subject is plural, then the verb must also be plural. For example:

– The dogs bark in the park. (Dogs is plural, so bark, the verb, is also plural.)

– My friends and I are going to the beach. (Friends and I, both plural, require the plural verb are.)

However, there are some situations where the rule can be a little more confusing.

Collective Nouns

A collective noun is a word that refers to a group of people or things as a single entity. Examples of collective nouns include team, family, committee, and audience. When using a collective noun as the subject of a sentence, the verb can either be singular or plural, depending on the context.

– The family is going on vacation. (Family is a singular collective noun, so the verb is singular.)

– The committee are discussing the proposal. (Committee is a collective noun, but in this case, the members of the committee are being referred to individually, so the verb is plural.)

Irregular Plural Nouns

Irregular plural nouns are nouns that do not follow the normal rules for forming plurals. Examples include children, mice, fish, and teeth. When using an irregular plural noun as the subject of a sentence, the verb must still agree in number.

– The children are playing in the yard. (Children is irregular plural, so the verb is plural.)

– The fish in the pond swim gracefully. (Fish is an irregular plural noun, so the verb is plural.)

Conclusion

Subject-verb agreement with plural nouns may seem simple, but there are some exceptions to the rule that can be confusing. By keeping in mind the guidelines for collective and irregular plural nouns, you can ensure that your writing is grammatically correct and easy to understand. Remember, the key to good writing is attention to detail, so take the time to check your subject-verb agreement, especially when using plural nouns.