As an AI language model, I can provide a draft article on “subject verb agreement somebody”. Here it is:
Subject Verb Agreement: Understanding the Use of “Somebody”
One of the most fundamental principles of the English language is subject-verb agreement. This means that the subject and the verb must always agree in number. If the subject is singular, the verb must be singular as well. If it is plural, then the verb must be plural too. While this rule may seem straightforward, there are several instances where it can get confusing, especially when dealing with indefinite pronouns, such as somebody, anybody, and everyone. In this article, we will focus on the use of “somebody” and how it affects subject-verb agreement.
The word “somebody” is an indefinite pronoun that refers to an unspecified person or people. It acts as the subject of a sentence and can be used in different contexts, whether in formal or informal writing. However, the use of “somebody” can be tricky if you`re not familiar with the rules of subject-verb agreement. Below are some guidelines to keep in mind when using “somebody” in your writing:
1. Somebody is always singular.
As an indefinite pronoun, “somebody” always refers to one person, not multiple people. This means that the verb that follows somebody must be singular too. For example:
– Somebody is cooking dinner tonight. (correct)
– Somebody are cooking dinner tonight. (incorrect)
In the second example, “are” is a plural verb that does not agree with the singular subject “somebody.” To avoid such errors, make sure to use a singular verb when using “somebody” as the subject of your sentence.
2. Somebody needs a singular verb.
Similar to the first point, “somebody” requires a singular verb, even if the sentence contains more than one verb. For example:
– Somebody needs to buy groceries and cook dinner tonight. (correct)
– Somebody need to buy groceries and cook dinner tonight. (incorrect)
In the second example, “need” is a plural verb that does not agree with the singular “somebody.” To maintain subject-verb agreement, use a singular verb in all instances where “somebody” is the subject.
3. Somebody takes “has,” not “have.”
When using “somebody” in a sentence that requires a helping verb, use “has” instead of “have.” This is because “somebody” is always singular, and “has” is the third-person singular form of the verb “to have.” For example:
– Somebody has been calling me all day. (correct)
– Somebody have been calling me all day. (incorrect)
By using “has,” we follow the rule of subject-verb agreement, where the singular subject “somebody” matches the singular third-person verb “has.”
In conclusion, understanding subject-verb agreement is crucial when using “somebody” in your writing. Remember, “somebody” is always singular, and it requires a singular verb, even if the sentence contains multiple verbs. Always use “has” instead of “have” in sentences that require a helping verb. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your writing is grammatically correct and easy to understand.
