Subject-verb agreement is a crucial element of English grammar that every writer and editor must master. It refers to the proper matching of a subject with its corresponding verb in number, tense, and person. Correct subject-verb agreement is essential for clear and effective communication, and therefore, it is important to follow all the rules of subject-verb agreement.

Rule #1: Singular subjects require singular verbs, and plural subjects require plural verbs.

Example: The dog barks loudly. (singular subject, singular verb) / The dogs bark loudly. (plural subject, plural verb)

Rule #2: Indefinite pronouns such as anyone, someone, nobody, everybody, require singular verbs.

Example: Someone needs to close the door. (singular subject, singular verb)

Rule #3: Collective nouns such as group, team, family, committee, require singular verbs when they represent a single entity, but plural verbs when they represent individual members.

Example: The team is celebrating its victory. (singular subject, singular verb) / The team are arguing about their roles. (plural subject, plural verb)

Rule #4: Compound subjects joined by and require plural verbs, while compound subjects joined by or/nor require a verb that agrees with the subject closest to the verb.

Example: Tom and Jerry are friends. (plural subject, plural verb) / Neither the doctor nor the nurse is available. (singular subject, singular verb)

Rule #5: Singular subjects that are separated by phrases such as along with, as well as, and in addition to, do not affect the subject-verb agreement.

Example: The actor, along with his co-star, is doing great. (singular subject, singular verb)

Rule #6: Verbs that end with -s, -es, or -ies are used with singular subjects, while verbs that do not end with these letters are used with plural subjects.

Example: She watches TV every night. (singular subject, -es ending verb) / They play basketball after school. (plural subject, non -es ending verb)

Rule #7: When using words such as each, every, neither, either, none, that are followed by a singular noun, they require singular verbs.

Example: Each child needs a pencil. (singular subject, singular verb)

Rule #8: Verbs used after the words amount, quantity, or number match the noun that follows them.

Example: A large amount of money was spent. (singular noun, singular verb) / A few incidents were reported. (plural noun, plural verb)

In conclusion, subject-verb agreement is crucial for clear and effective communication. Whether writing or editing, it is important to familiarize oneself with all the rules of subject-verb agreement, and apply them consistently throughout the writing process. By doing so, one can ensure that their message is conveyed accurately and effectively.