Pronoun in Subject Verb Agreement

Pronouns are a crucial part of written communication. They replace nouns, making our writing more concise and easier to read. Pronouns such as he, she, they, it, and we are used to refer to people, places, things, or ideas. However, when it comes to subject-verb agreement, it can be a bit tricky to use pronouns correctly.

Subject-verb agreement refers to the relationship between the subject and verb in a sentence. The verb must agree with the number and person of the subject. In other words, if the subject is singular, the verb must be singular too. If the subject is plural, the verb must be plural.

When using pronouns as the subject of a sentence, it is essential to ensure that they agree with the verb. For example, if the subject is he, it would require a singular verb, such as “he writes.” On the other hand, if the subject is they, it would require a plural verb, such as “they write.”

However, there are some instances where pronouns can cause confusion in subject-verb agreement. Let’s take a look at some common examples.

1. Collective nouns

A collective noun is a word that refers to a group of people or things. Examples include team, family, and jury. When using collective nouns, it can be challenging to determine whether to use a singular or plural verb. The general rule is to use a singular verb if the collective noun is acting as a single unit, and a plural verb if the members of the group are acting as individuals. For example:

– The team is playing well. (Singular verb because the team is acting as a single unit.)

– The team are arguing among themselves. (Plural verb because the team members are acting as individuals.)

2. Indefinite pronouns

Indefinite pronouns refer to people or things in a general or unspecific way. Examples include anyone, someone, and everyone. Indefinite pronouns are usually singular, but some can be both singular and plural, depending on the context. For example:

– Anyone can do it. (Singular verb because anyone is a singular pronoun.)

– Some of the students have finished their homework. (Plural verb because some can be both singular and plural.)

3. Compound subjects

A compound subject is made up of two or more nouns, pronouns, or phrases connected by the conjunctions and, or, or nor. When the compound subject is joined by and, it is usually plural and requires a plural verb. When the compound subject is joined by or or nor, the verb agrees with the noun or pronoun closest to it. For example:

– Mary and John are going to the store. (Plural verb because there are two subjects.)

– Neither the cat nor the dog likes water. (Singular verb because the closest subject is singular.)

In conclusion, using pronouns in subject-verb agreement can be a bit challenging, especially when dealing with collective nouns, indefinite pronouns, and compound subjects. However, with proper knowledge and practice, writers can quickly master the rules and use pronouns correctly. Always remember to ensure that the verb agrees with the number and person of the subject, and you will be on your way to writing clear, concise, and effective content.