Subject verb agreement is an important rule of grammar that ensures clarity and precision in writing. It refers to the matching of the subject and verb in a sentence, which helps to convey the intended meaning accurately. Here are four rules of subject verb agreement that you should keep in mind when writing:

1. The subject and verb must agree in number.

This means that a singular subject takes a singular verb, while a plural subject takes a plural verb. For example, “The boy runs” is correct because “boy” is singular and “runs” agrees with it. “The boys run” is also correct because “boys” is plural and “run” agrees with it.

2. Compound subjects need a plural verb.

When there are two or more subjects in a sentence connected by “and,” the verb used should be plural. For instance, “John and Mary are going to the movies” is correct because “John” and “Mary” are both subjects and “are” agrees with them.

3. Singular subjects joined by “or” or “nor” require a singular verb.

When a sentence has two singular subjects linked by “or” or “nor,” the verb used should be singular. For example, “Neither the cat nor the dog is allowed on the couch” is correct because “neither” is singular and “is” agrees with it.

4. When the subject is separated from the verb, pay attention to the subject.

Sometimes, a sentence can have a long subject that is separated from the verb by other words. However, the verb should still agree with the subject in number. For example, “The man, along with his children and wife, is going to the park” is correct because “man” is the subject and singular, hence “is” agrees with it.

In conclusion, subject verb agreement is crucial in making your writing clear and concise. By following these rules, you can ensure that your sentences are grammatically correct and effectively convey your message.