The challenge many writers face is knowing how to use plural verbs properly. The direct explanation shows that plural verbs accompany subjects that name more than one person, typically indicating more than one person, place, thing, or idea. Mastering this concept helps create clearer, more accurate sentences. Let’s break down plural verbs in more detail.
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What Are Plural Verbs?
Plural verbs are verbs that agree with a plural subject. In English, verbs typically change form based on whether the subject is singular or plural. For example, “run” becomes “run” in the plural form. However, “runs” is the singular form used with he, she, or it.
Examples of Plural Verbs in Action
Simple Plural Statements:
- Singular: The cat runs fast.
- Plural: The cats run fast.
Using Plural Verbs with Collective Nouns:
- Singular: The team wins the game.
- Plural: The teams win their games.
These examples show how the verb form changes to maintain subject-verb agreement. Pay close attention to the subject. If it’s multiple entities, use the plural verb form.
Subject-Verb Agreement Basics
Subject-verb agreement is essential in creating coherent sentences. The subject and verb must match in number and person.
Singular vs. Plural Examples
- Singular Subject: The dog barks.
- Plural Subject: The dogs bark.
This consistency in tense and number maintains strong readability.
Countable vs. Uncountable Nouns
Knowing the difference between countable and uncountable nouns is necessary for using plural verbs correctly.
Countable Nouns: Numbers work for these words, and they usually have a plural form.
- Example: There are several books on the table.
Uncountable Nouns: Singular identity describes these materials, and they don’t have a plural form.
- Example: Water is necessary for life.
Even though “water” is technically a singular noun, if combined with a plural subject, the verb will change. “The waters of the lake shimmer in the sunlight.”
“Special” Cases for Plural Verbs
Some nouns are tricky when it comes to number and plurality. Knowing how to handle these can go a long way in enhancing your writing skills.
Collective Nouns
Collective nouns refer to groups but can take either singular or plural verbs depending on whether the group is acting as a unit or as separate individuals.
- Example with Singular Verb: The committee decides on the new policy.
- Example with Plural Verb: The committee are arguing about the policy details.
In American English, collective nouns take a singular verb. Meanwhile, in British English, a plural verb can be appropriate.
Compound Subjects
When two or more subjects are combined using “and,” they usually require a plural verb.
- Example: My friend and I are going to the concert.
However, if the subjects are joined by “or” or “nor,” the verb takes the form of the nearest subject.
- Example: Either the cat or the dogs run in the yard.
If you are uncertain, try rephrasing the sentence with a clear subject to check for accuracy.
When to Use Plural Verbs
Understanding when to use plural verbs can be simplified by considering the following scenarios:
Describing Multiple Actions
When discussing multiple actions or features, let your verb reflect that plural subject.
- Example: The students study and participate in class discussions.
Reporting Facts or Statements
Plural verbs are necessary when stating facts or universal truths involving more than one entity.
- Example: Elephants are the largest land animals.
Indicating Repeated Actions
When stating that something happens repeatedly across multiple subjects, a plural verb form is appropriate.
- Example: The birds sing every morning at dawn.
Missteps with Plural Verbs
Writers often make several common mistakes with plural verbs. Being aware of these can help improve your writing accuracy.
Ignoring Subject-Verb Agreement
Sometimes, writers incorrectly focus on the object of a sentence instead of the subject when determining verb form.
- Incorrect: There is five apples on the table.
- Correct: There are five apples on the table.
This error often arises when dealing with phrases that assume a singular object is the “main idea,” but the subject remains plural.
Using Singular Subjects with Plural Verbs
Another mistake is using a plural verb form with a singular subject.
- Incorrect: The cat have a ball.
- Correct: The cat has a ball.
Always match your verb form to the subject to maintain clarity.
Plural Verbs in Complex Sentences
If a sentence contains multiple clauses, ensure that each subject shares the same verb form as its corresponding clause subject.
- Example of Composite Sentence: The manager and her assistant were thrilled when the team submitted their successful project proposal.
Notice how both “manager” and “assistant” are plural subjects, thus requiring a plural verb.
The Importance of Context in Plural Verb Usage
While grammar rules provide a strong foundation, the context in which you use verbs can significantly impact how your writing is received.
Formal vs. Informal Context
In formal writing, stricter adherence to subject-verb agreement is crucial. In more casual settings, there might be leniencies that allow for stylistic deviations in conversation and informal narratives.
Dialects and Regional Variations
In various English dialects, plural forms can differ. For instance, “the team are” may be acceptable in particular UK English contexts but might seem awkward to American readers who expect “the team is.” Understanding your audience should guide your verb choices.
Plural Verbs in Writing
Understanding plural verbs is more than memorizing rules. It’s about applying the knowledge effectively in real-world writing scenarios. Imagine a book; a writer monitors verb-subject alignment to keep every page understandable.
Editing for Plural Verbs
When editing your work, check for subject-verb agreement diligently. Search for plural subjects and affirm their corresponding verbs are also plural.
- Example sentence to edit: “The dogs is barking loudly at the strangers.”
- Corrected: “The dogs are barking loudly at the strangers.”
A careful edit can save your readers from confusion and improve the professionalism of your text.
Consistency in Tone
When writing, especially in long-form pieces, maintaining a consistent tone and verb agreement is crucial. Inconsistent usage can distract readers.
- Inconsistent: “The players are practicing. The coach prepare them for the match.”
- Consistent: “The players are practicing. The coach is preparing them for the match.”
In the consistent example, the verbs are consistently plural, matching the plural subjects.
Practical Tools for Identifying Plural Verbs
Writers can utilize several resources and tips to improve their mastery of plural verbs:
Online Grammar Check Tools
Websites and applications offer grammar checks that can point out subject-verb agreement issues as you type, like Grammarly or Hemingway Editor.
Grammar Handbooks
Investing in a reliable grammar handbook can provide quick references and thorough explanations on complex rules regarding plural verbs and agreements.
Writing Workshops
Participating in writing workshops allows for collaborative learning. Engaging with peers can provide insights into common mistakes while also highlighting effective strategies for using verbs properly.
Resources for Further Learning
To delve deeper into the workings of plural verbs, several resources are available online and in print. Grammar websites, English usage blogs, and writing guides can provide valuable insights. Here are a few recommended resources:
- Grammar Girl: An excellent blog that offers tips and tricks for grammar, including subject-verb agreement.
- Purdue OWL (Online Writing Lab): Offers comprehensive guides on grammar and usage.
- Strunk and White’s “The Elements of Style”: A classic guide to writing well, including clarity in verb usage.
Additionally, participating in writing workshops or forums can enhance your skills and understanding through the feedback from the community.
Additional Information
Understanding plural verbs can be as tricky as a cat in a bathtub. Here are some little-known secrets that might surprise you:
- Collective Nouns Matter: Depending on the context, words like “team,” “group,” or “family” can take singular or plural verbs. In American English, “the team is winning” is common, while in British English, you might hear, “the team are winning.”
- Compound Subjects Rule: When two subjects are joined by “and,” a plural verb follows, as in “Tom and Jerry are friends.” But when subjects are connected by “or,” “nor,” or “either,” the verb agrees with the subject closest to it, e.g., “Either the cat or the dogs bark.”
- Particular Nouns Are Always Plural: Some nouns, such as “scissors,” “pants,” and “glasses,” always take a plural verb. This situation applies even when the noun means only one item, for example, “the scissors are on the table.”
- Indefinite Pronouns: Indefinite pronouns like “all,” “some,” and “none” can be singular or plural based on what they refer to. For example, “Some of the cake is gone” vs. “Some of the cupcakes are gone.”
- Titles and Names: A title of a book or a group, even if plural, usually takes a singular verb. For instance, “The Beatles is a famous band” is the standard way to phrase this.
- Fractions and Percentages: When dealing with fractions or percentages, the verb agrees with the noun that follows it. For example, “Half of the team is here,” but “Half of the players are here.”
- Words that End in ‘s’ but Are Singular: Some words like “news” or “mathematics” look plural but are treated as singular in your sentences. So you would say, “The news is exciting,” not “The news are exciting.”
- “Data” is a Plural Word: Though often used as a singular term, “data” is technically plural. The more formal approach would be “The data are compelling,” but in casual use, you might hear “The data is compelling.”
- Semantic Plurals: Some nouns naturally have a plural sense based on their meaning, like “people,” and always require a plural verb, as in “People are friendly.”
- Use of ‘None’: While many treat “none” as singular, it’s technically plural since it derives from “not one.” Therefore, “None of the cookies are left” is perfectly correct!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Related to Plural Verbs
Q. What is a plural verb?
A. A plural verb is a verb that agrees with a plural subject, indicating that more than one person or thing is involved in the action. For example, in the sentence “They run fast,” “run” is the plural verb.
Q. How do I know when to use a plural verb?
A. You should use a plural verb when your subject is plural. For instance, in “The dogs bark,” “dogs” is plural, so “bark” is the correct plural verb.
Q. What about collective nouns? Do they take a plural verb?
A. Collective nouns can be tricky. If the group acts as a single unit, use a singular verb (e.g., “The team wins”). If the individuals act separately, use a plural verb (e.g., “The team are arguing among themselves”).
Q. Are there any exceptions to plural verb rules?
A. Yes, particular nouns like “news” or “mathematics” are treated as singular, so they take a singular verb. For example, “The news is on.”
Q. Can I use a plural verb with compound subjects joined by ‘and’?
A. Yes, when two subjects are joined by “and,” they become plural, requiring a plural verb. For instance, “Tom and Jerry run.”
Q. What if the subject is a fraction or percentage?
A. It depends on the noun that follows. If it’s plural, use a plural verb. For example, “Fifty percent of the students are passing.”
Q. Is “none” singular or plural?
A. “None” can be either. If referring to quantity, use a plural verb (e.g., “None of the cookies are left”). If referring to a singular outcome, use a singular verb (e.g., “None of the information is accurate”).
Q. How do I handle subjects separated from the verb by phrases?
A. Ignore the phrases when determining the verb. Focus on the main subject. For example, in “The group of friends are here,” the subject “group” is singular, so the correct verb is “is.”
Q. What should I do when the subject is an amount of money?
A. Amounts of money are considered singular. For example, “Five dollars is not enough for lunch.”
Q. Can I use a plural verb if the subject follows the verb?
A. Yes, even when the subject follows the verb, the verb must agree with the subject. For example, in the question “Are the students ready?” the plural verb “are” still agrees with the plural subject “students.”
Conclusion
Understanding plural verbs is valuable for clear and effective writing. By mastering the rules of subject-verb agreement, you can ensure that your sentences convey the appropriate meaning. Don’t forget to pay attention to tricky cases such as collective nouns and irregular plural forms. With practice, using plural verbs will become second nature. Whether you’re writing a novel, an article, or even a simple text message, making sure your verbs agree with your subjects will enhance your communication skills and keep your readers engaged. Keep practicing and happy writing!
