When it comes to grammar, one of the most important rules for clear communication is agreement. This means that the subject and verb in a sentence must match in number – singular or plural. By following this basic rule, you can make your writing much more professional and effective. Here are some tips for mastering the grammar rule for agreement.

First, identify the subject of the sentence. This is the person, place, thing or idea that is being talked about. For example, in the sentence “The cat chased the mouse,” the subject is “cat.” It`s important to note that sometimes the subject is hidden or implied, as in the sentence “Went to the store.” The subject here is “I,” even though it`s not explicitly stated.

Next, determine whether the subject is singular or plural. If the subject is one thing, it`s singular. If it`s more than one thing, it`s plural. For example, “The dog barks” is singular, while “The dogs bark” is plural. This is important because the verb that follows must match the subject in number.

Finally, choose the correct verb form. If the subject is singular, use the singular form of the verb. If the subject is plural, use the plural form of the verb. For example, “She reads” is correct because “she” is singular. However, “They reads” is incorrect because “they” is plural. The correct form would be “They read.”

It`s also important to note that there are some irregular verbs that don`t follow the typical pattern. For example, “I am” is correct, while “I is” is incorrect. By memorizing these exceptions, you can make sure your writing is grammatically correct.

In conclusion, the grammar rule for agreement is a crucial element of clear and effective communication. By correctly matching subjects and verbs, you can ensure that your writing is professional and easy to read. With practice, you`ll be able to master this rule and apply it seamlessly to all your writing.