Subject-verb agreement is an essential aspect of grammar that reflects the correct agreement between the subject and the verb in a sentence. It is a fundamental rule in grammar that should be followed to ensure clarity and coherence in writing. As a professional, I believe that understanding the rules of subject-verb agreement is crucial in creating high-quality content that is both grammatically correct and SEO-friendly.

Here are some guidelines that can help you in understanding the subject-verb agreement in grammar:

1. Always recognize the subject of the sentence:

Before starting to write a sentence, it is important to recognize the subject of the sentence. It can be a noun, pronoun, or even a gerund. The verb should always agree with the subject irrespective of its position in a sentence.

Example: The students are studying hard for their exams.

In this sentence, “students” is the subject, and “are studying” is the verb. Note that the verb `are` agrees with the subject `students.`

2. Singular subject requires a singular verb, and plural subject needs a plural verb:

It is essential to remember that the verb should always match the number of the subject. If the subject of the sentence is singular, the verb should also be singular. Similarly, if the subject is plural, the verb should also be plural.

Example: The boy runs to school.

In this sentence, `boy` is the subject, and `runs` is the verb. Here, the singular subject `boy` takes the singular verb `runs.`

Example: The boys run to school.

In this sentence, `boys` is the subject, and `run` is the verb. Here, the plural subject `boys` takes the plural verb `run.`

3. In compound subjects, use a plural verb:

When two or more subjects are joined by `and,` it forms a compound subject. In such cases, the verb should be plural.

Example: The cat and the dog play in the backyard.

In this sentence, `cat` and `dog` are the subjects, and `play` is the verb. Here, the compound subject `cat and dog` takes the plural verb `play.`

4. When a subject is separated from the verb, ensure the verb agrees with the subject:

Sometimes, the subject of a sentence is separated from its verb by a phrase or clause. In such cases, it is important to ensure that the verb agrees with the subject and not the intervening word.

Example: The book, along with the pen, lies on the table.

In this sentence, `book` is the subject, and `lies` is the verb. Although `pen` is located between the subject and the verb, it is not the subject of the sentence, and hence, the verb `lies` agrees with the subject `book.`

In conclusion, subject-verb agreement is an essential aspect of grammar that should be followed to ensure clear communication in writing. As a professional, I believe that using correct subject-verb agreement in your content can improve the readability and search engine optimization of your writing. By following these simple guidelines, you can ensure that your writing is grammatically correct and easy to understand, both for people and search engines.