Singular and plural verbs are verb forms that must align with the number of their subject (who or what is performing the action) to maintain grammatical correctness within a sentence. This agreement is fundamental to clear communication in English.
Understanding Singular Verbs
A singular verb is used when a single object or person performs an action. In the present tense, these verbs characteristically end with an "s" when paired with a third-person singular subject (such as he, she, it, or a singular noun).
Examples of Singular Verbs in Sentences:
- She writes a letter every day. (Here, "she" is singular, so the verb "writes" ends with 's'.)
- The dog barks loudly. (The singular subject "dog" takes the singular verb "barks".)
- He enjoys reading. (The verb "enjoys" agrees with the singular pronoun "he".)
Understanding Plural Verbs
Conversely, a plural verb is used when more than one object or person performs an action. Unlike singular verbs in the third-person present tense, plural verbs typically do not end with an "s".
Examples of Plural Verbs in Sentences:
- They write letters every day. (The plural subject "they" requires the plural verb "write".)
- The dogs bark loudly. (The plural subject "dogs" takes the plural verb "bark".)
- We enjoy reading. (The verb "enjoy" agrees with the plural pronoun "we".)
Key Differences Between Singular and Plural Verbs
To further clarify the distinction, consider the following summary:
| Feature | Singular Verb | Plural Verb |
|---|---|---|
| Subject Number | Refers to one person or object | Refers to more than one person or object |
| Common Ending | Often ends with 's' (in present tense, 3rd person) | Typically does not end with 's' |
| Example Sentence | The student learns. | The students learn. |
| Example Sentence | She runs fast. | They run fast. |
Importance of Subject-Verb Agreement
The consistent use of either a singular or plural verb to match its subject's number is known as subject-verb agreement. Mastering this grammatical rule is crucial for constructing clear, coherent, and grammatically correct sentences. Misaligning a verb with its subject can lead to confusion and make your writing sound unnatural.
For more in-depth information on subject-verb agreement and verb forms, you can refer to comprehensive grammar resources such as the Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL).
