When it comes to good writing, there are a lot of rules to follow. One of the most important of these is subject-verb agreement (SVA). SVA refers to the idea that the subject of a sentence and its verb must agree in number. Here are some SVA rules and examples to help you master this important aspect of writing.

Rule #1: Singular subjects take singular verbs, while plural subjects take plural verbs.

Example:

– The cat runs. (singular subject, singular verb)

– The cats run. (plural subject, plural verb)

Rule #2: When there are multiple subjects joined by “and,” the verb should be plural.

Example:

– Jack and Jill run. (plural subject, plural verb)

Rule #3: When the subjects are joined by “or” or “nor,” the verb should agree with the nearer subject.

Example:

– Neither the dog nor the cat likes carrots. (singular verb because “cat” is closer)

– Either the dogs or the cat likes carrots. (plural verb because “dogs” is closer)

Rule #4: Singular nouns that refer to groups of people should be treated as plural subjects.

Example:

– The team runs. (singular noun, plural subject, plural verb)

Rule #5: Collective nouns refer to a group of individuals, but are treated as singular subjects.

Example:

– The orchestra plays. (singular collective noun, singular verb)

Rule #6: Inverted sentences, in which the subject comes after the verb, can be tricky. The verb should still agree with the subject.

Example:

– There are many birds in the sky. (plural subject, plural verb)

– There is a bird in the sky. (singular subject, singular verb)

Following these SVA rules can improve the clarity and effectiveness of your writing. It shows your knowledge and expertise in using language effectively, and will make your writing more professional and engaging. So go ahead and try applying these rules in your writing, and see the positive impact it makes!