As a copy editor, one of the most essential grammar rules I`ve encountered is the subject-verb agreement. It can be tricky, but understanding it is crucial in writing clear and well-structured sentences. In this article, I`ll be discussing subject-verb agreement rule 15, along with some examples to help you apply it correctly in your writing.

Rule 15: When a collective noun acts as a unit, use a singular verb. When the members of the group act individually, use a plural verb.

Collective nouns are words that refer to groups of people or things, such as family, team, audience, committee, and staff. These nouns can be singular or plural depending on their context in the sentence.

Example 1:

Incorrect: The team are preparing for the championship game.

Correct: The team is preparing for the championship game.

Explanation: The word “team” is a collective noun that acts as a single unit, so we use a singular verb “is” instead of a plural verb “are.”

Example 2:

Incorrect: The staff are taking their lunch break at different times.

Correct: The staff is taking its lunch break at different times.

Explanation: In this sentence, “staff” is a collective noun that denotes a group of people working as a team. We need to use a singular verb “is” because the staff acts collectively as a single unit.

Example 3:

Incorrect: The audience were clapping their hands in excitement.

Correct: The audience was clapping its hands in excitement.

Explanation: “Audience” is a collective noun that refers to a group of people who are watching a performance or an event. Since the audience acts as a single unit, we need to use a singular verb “was.”

Example 4:

Incorrect: The committee have not made their decision yet.

Correct: The committee has not made its decision yet.

Explanation: “Committee” is a collective noun that represents a group of people who meet to discuss, investigate or make decisions on certain issues. Since the committee acts as a unit, we use a singular verb “has” instead of a plural verb “have.”

In conclusion, understanding the subject-verb agreement rule 15 can help you avoid common grammatical errors in your writing. Remember that when a collective noun acts as a unit, use a singular verb. When the members of the group act individually, use a plural verb. Practice applying this rule in your writing, and your sentences will be more precise and effective.