Subject Verb Agreement Rule Number 8

Subject-verb agreement is a fundamental rule in the English language that helps to ensure clarity and coherence in writing. This rule dictates that the subject and verb in a sentence must agree in number, meaning that singular subjects require singular verbs, and plural subjects require plural verbs. There are a few exceptions to this rule, however, which can be confusing for writers and editors alike.

One of the most commonly overlooked exceptions to the subject-verb agreement rule is known as rule number 8. This rule states that when a collective noun is used as the subject of a sentence, the verb can be either singular or plural, depending on the context.

Collective nouns are words that refer to a group of individuals or objects, such as “team,” “family,” or “herd.” These nouns are singular in form but represent a group of people or things. In most cases, collective nouns take a singular verb in a sentence, as in the following example:

The team is playing well this season.

However, when the collective noun is used to emphasize the individual members of the group rather than the group as a whole, a plural verb is used instead. Consider the following example:

The team are all experienced players.

In this case, the use of the plural verb “are” emphasizes the fact that each individual member of the team is experienced, rather than the team as a whole.

It is important to note that not all collective nouns can be used in plural form. Some collective nouns, such as “furniture” and “water,” are considered uncountable nouns and cannot be pluralized. In these cases, a singular verb must always be used, regardless of the context.

In conclusion, understanding subject-verb agreement rule number 8 is essential for effective writing and editing. By being aware of when to use a singular or plural verb with collective nouns, writers and editors can ensure that their writing is clear, concise, and grammatically correct.