* Singular subjects take singular verbs: "The cat is sleeping."
* Plural subjects take plural verbs: "The cats are sleeping."
* First person singular subjects (I) take the verb form "am": "I am tired."
* Second person singular and plural subjects (you) take the verb form "are": "You are happy."
* Third person singular subjects (he, she, it) take the verb form "is, has, does": "He is tall."
* Third person plural subjects (they) take the verb form "are, have, do": "They are going to the park."
Here's a breakdown of the key points:
* Number: This refers to whether the subject is singular (one) or plural (more than one).
* Person: This refers to the speaker (first person), the listener (second person), or someone or something else (third person).
Examples of verb concord:
* Correct: The dog barks loudly.
* Incorrect: The dog bark loudly.
* Correct: My friends are going to the beach.
* Incorrect: My friends is going to the beach.
Common Challenges:
* Intervening phrases: Phrases placed between the subject and verb can sometimes confuse the agreement. For example, "The box of cookies is on the table" (the subject is "box", not "cookies").
* Collective nouns: These nouns refer to a group of people or things (e.g., team, family). The verb can be singular or plural depending on whether the group is acting as a unit or as individuals.
* Indefinite pronouns: Some indefinite pronouns are always singular (e.g., anyone, each, everybody), while others can be singular or plural depending on context (e.g., some, all, most).
Importance of Verb Concord:
* Clarity: It helps readers understand the relationship between the subject and the verb.
* Formal writing: Correct verb concord is essential in formal writing, such as academic essays and business reports.
* Grammar: It's a fundamental aspect of English grammar.
Understanding verb concord is crucial for effective communication. By applying the rules correctly, you can ensure that your writing is grammatically sound and easy to understand.