Legal Q&A: 13 Rules of Subject-Verb Agreement

Question	Answer
1. What is subject-verb agreement?	Subject-verb agreement is the matching of the subject and verb in a sentence. When the subject is singular, the verb must also be singular, and when the subject is plural, the verb must also be plural. It`s like a beautiful dance between the two, creating harmony and balance in the sentence.
2. What are the 13 rules of subject-verb agreement?	Ah, the 13 rules of subject-verb agreement are like the secret code to unlocking the power of language. They dictate when to use singular or plural verbs based on the subject, and they are essential for clear and effective communication.
3. Why is subject-verb agreement important in legal writing?	In the world of law, precision and accuracy are paramount. Subject-verb agreement ensures that the meaning of a sentence is crystal clear and leaves no room for misinterpretation. It`s the cornerstone of effective legal communication.
4. Can subject-verb agreement affect the validity of a legal document?	Oh, absolutely! Improper subject-verb agreement in a legal document can lead to ambiguity and confusion, potentially rendering the document invalid. It`s like a shaky foundation for a building – it just won`t hold up.
5. How does one determine the correct verb to use in subject-verb agreement?	Determining the correct verb is like solving a captivating puzzle. You must carefully consider the subject, identify whether it is singular or plural, and then select the corresponding verb that matches its essence. It`s a delicate dance of linguistic elegance.
6. What are some common pitfalls to avoid in subject-verb agreement?	Ah, the treacherous pitfalls! One must be wary of indefinite pronouns, collective nouns, and tricky phrases that can lead to confusion in subject-verb agreement. It`s like navigating a maze, but with the right knowledge, one can emerge unscathed.
7. How can one improve their mastery of subject-verb agreement?	Mastery of subject-verb agreement is akin to honing a fine craft. By studying the rules, practicing with diverse sentence structures, and immersing oneself in the art of language, one can elevate their skills and wield the power of subject-verb agreement with grace and finesse.
8. Are there any exceptions to the rules of subject-verb agreement?	Ah, the exceptions – the enigmatic outliers in the world of language. While the 13 rules provide a sturdy foundation, there are always unique cases that defy convention. It`s like the spice that adds flavor to the dish of grammar.
9. Can subject-verb agreement vary in different legal contexts?	Indeed, the nuances of subject-verb agreement can manifest differently in various legal contexts. The language of contracts may differ from that of court opinions, and understanding these distinctions is crucial for precise and effective communication within the legal realm.
10. How can subject-verb agreement enhance the persuasiveness of legal arguments?	Subject-verb agreement, when wielded with finesse, can amplify the persuasive impact of legal arguments. A harmonious and cohesive presentation of ideas through proper subject-verb agreement lends authority and credibility to one`s position, captivates the reader, and bolsters the persuasive force of the argument.

The Ultimate Guide to Subject-Verb Agreement: Mastering the 13 Rules

Subject-verb agreement is a topic that often gets overlooked, but it plays a crucial role in ensuring clear and effective communication. Understanding and applying the 13 rules of subject-verb agreement can greatly improve your writing and speaking skills. In this comprehensive guide, we`ll explore each rule and provide practical examples to help you master this essential aspect of grammar.

Rule 1: Singular subjects require singular verbs

When the subject of a sentence is singular, the verb must also be singular. For example, “The cat jumps Over fence.”

Rule 2: Plural subjects require plural verbs

Conversely, when the subject is plural, the verb should also be plural. For instance, “The dogs run In park.”

Rule 3: Singular indefinite pronouns take singular verbs

Indefinite pronouns like “everyone,” “somebody,” and “no one” are treated as singular, so they should be paired with singular verbs. For example, “Everybody has Role play.”

Rule 4: Plural indefinite pronouns take plural verbs

On the other hand, pronouns like “both,” “several,” and “many” are plural and should be followed by plural verbs. For instance, “Several students are Going on field trip.”

Rule 5: Collective nouns can be singular or plural

Collective nouns, such as “team,” “family,” and “group,” can be singular or plural depending on the context. For example, “The team is In locker room” versus “The team are Warming up.”

Rule 6: Subjects connected by “and” take a plural verb

When two or more subjects are connected by “and,” the verb should be plural. For example, “Tom Jerry are Good friends.”

Rule 7: When the subjects are connected by “or” or “nor,” the verb agrees with the closer subject

If the subjects connected by “or” or “nor” are singular and plural, the verb agrees with the closer subject. For instance, “Neither cat nor dogs are Yard.”

Rule 8: Use a singular verb for singular subjects with “either/or” or “neither/nor”

Even when “either” or “neither” is used with a plural subject, the verb remains singular if the second subject is singular. For example, “Neither team nor player is Feeling well.”

Rule 9: Use the singular form of the verb with singular subjects joined by “as well as” or “together with”

When the subjects are joined by “as well as” or “together with,” the verb should match the first subject. For instance, “The teacher, as well as students, is Excited about field trip.”

Rule 10: Use a singular verb when “the only” or “the majority of” refers to a singular noun

Even though “only” and “majority” may seem plural, they are followed by singular verbs if they refer to a singular noun. For example, “The majority cake is Gone.”

Rule 11: Use a plural verb when “the only” or “a majority of” refers to a plural noun

Conversely, if “only” or “majority” refers to a plural noun, the verb should be plural. For instance, “A majority students are Attending seminar.”

Rule 13: Use a singular verb with singular subjects in “here is” or “there is” sentences

When “here” or “there” precedes the subject, the verb agrees with the subject. For instance, “Here is Book wanted.”

By adhering to these 13 rules of subject-verb agreement, you can enhance the clarity and professionalism of your writing. Practice applying these rules in your everyday communication to solidify your understanding and become a master of grammar.

Additional Resources

For further study on this topic, we recommend the following resources:

About Author

John Smith passionate writer grammar enthusiast. He enjoys unraveling the intricacies of the English language and sharing his knowledge with others. You can connect John on LinkedIn.

Legal Contract: 13 Rules of Subject-Verb Agreement

This contract outlines the 13 rules of subject-verb agreement and is intended to provide clear guidelines for proper usage in legal documents and communication.

Rule Number	Description
1	The subject and verb must agree in number.
2	Singular subjects require singular verbs; plural subjects require plural verbs.
3	Compound subjects connected by `and` require a plural verb.
4	Compound subjects connected by `or` or `nor` require a singular verb.
5	When subjects are joined by `either/or` or `neither/nor`, the verb agrees with the closer subject.
6	Indefinite pronouns such as `everyone`, `someone`, and `either` require singular verbs.
7	Indefinite pronouns such as `both`, `few`, and `several` require plural verbs.
8	When `each`, `every`, or `no` comes before the subject, the verb is singular.
9	Collective nouns such as `team`, `group`, and `family` can be singular or plural depending on context.
10	Expressions of time, money, measurement, and quantities are singular and require singular verbs.
11	`There` and `here` are never the subjects of a sentence and the verb agrees with the real subject following the phrase.
12	Titles of creative works, organizations, and countries are singular and require singular verbs.
13	Special nouns such as `politics`, `economics`, and `mathematics` are singular and require singular verbs.

By signing below, the parties acknowledge and agree to adhere to these rules of subject-verb agreement in all legal documents and communication.

Signature: ________________________

Date: _____________________________

Mastering Subject-Verb Agreement: 13 Rules for Legal Writing