Example 1:
* Rule: Singular subjects take singular verbs; plural subjects take plural verbs.
* Sentence: *The dog barks loudly at the mailman.*
* "Dog" is singular, so the verb "barks" is also singular.
* Sentence: *The dogs bark loudly at the mailman.*
* "Dogs" is plural, so the verb "bark" is also plural.
Example 2:
* Rule: When a sentence has a compound subject joined by "and," use a plural verb.
* Sentence: *The cat and the dog are playing together in the yard.*
* "Cat" and "dog" are joined by "and," so the verb "are" is plural.
Here are a few other common rules for subject-verb agreement:
* Indefinite pronouns like "each," "every," "anyone," "someone," and "no one" usually take singular verbs.
* Collective nouns (names for groups, like "team," "committee," "family") take singular verbs if the group is acting as one unit, but plural verbs if the individuals in the group are acting separately.
* Prepositional phrases (e.g., "in the garden," "with the friends") that come between the subject and the verb do not affect subject-verb agreement.
Remember, these are just a few examples. It's important to practice applying these rules to different sentences to improve your understanding of subject-verb agreement.