Simple Exercises on Subject Verb Agreement

Subject-verb agreement is a crucial part of the English language, and it can make or break your writing. If you`re a writer looking to improve your subject-verb agreement, there are many simple exercises that you can do to help you master this essential grammar rule.

1. Identify the subject and verb

The first step in mastering subject-verb agreement is identifying the subject and verb in a sentence. The subject is the person, place, thing, or idea that the sentence is about, and the verb is the action that the subject is performing. Identifying the subject and verb will help you determine if they match in number and tense.

Example: The dog chases the ball.

In this sentence, “dog” is the subject and “chases” is the verb.

2. Match the number

Once you`ve identified the subject and verb, you need to match them in number. Singular subjects require singular verbs, and plural subjects require plural verbs.

Example: The dog chases the ball.

In this sentence, “dog” is singular, so “chases” is also singular.

Example: The dogs chase the ball.

In this sentence, “dogs” is plural, so “chase” is also plural.

3. Match the tense

Matching the tense of the subject and verb is also essential in subject-verb agreement. Tense refers to the time frame of the action in the sentence. You need to ensure that the tense of the verb matches the tense of the subject.

Example: The dog chased the ball.

In this sentence, “dog” is in the past tense, so “chased” is also in the past tense.

Example: The dog chases the ball.

In this sentence, “dog” is in the present tense, so “chases” is also in the present tense.

4. Practice, practice, practice

The best way to improve your subject-verb agreement is to practice. You can find many online quizzes and exercises that can help you master this grammar rule. You can also practice by writing sentences and identifying the subject and verb, and then matching them in number and tense.

Example exercise: Identify the subject and verb in each sentence and match them in number and tense.

1. He plays basketball every day.

2. The cats meow loudly at night.

3. They are going to the movies tonight.

4. She will study for her exam tomorrow.

5. The students are writing an essay.

In conclusion, mastering subject-verb agreement is essential for any writer looking to improve their writing skills. By identifying the subject and verb, matching them in number and tense, and practicing, you can improve your subject-verb agreement and enhance the clarity and professionalism of your writing.