1. Singular subjects take singular verbs, plural subjects take plural verbs.
* Example: The dog barks. (singular subject, singular verb)
* Example: The dogs bark. (plural subject, plural verb)
2. Indefinite pronouns (like each, everyone, anyone, nobody) are singular and take singular verbs.
* Example: Everyone is here.
* Example: Nobody wants to go.
3. When a phrase comes between the subject and verb, the verb still agrees with the subject.
* Example: The girl with the red hair sings beautifully.
* Example: The books on the shelf are dusty.
4. Collective nouns (like team, committee, family) can be singular or plural depending on how they are used.
* Example: The team is practicing. (The team is acting as a single unit)
* Example: The team are arguing about the strategy. (The team members are acting individually)
5. When two or more subjects are joined by "and," they take a plural verb.
* Example: The cat and the dog are playing.
* Example: John and Mary are going to the movies.
Note: There are other rules, including dealing with words like "neither/nor," "either/or," and phrases using "with," "along with," etc. It's helpful to review the rules thoroughly and practice applying them.