Subject-Verb Agreement With 'Each Of The Boys' A Comprehensive Guide

Delving into the Nuances of English Grammar

In the realm of English grammar, subject-verb agreement stands as a cornerstone principle, ensuring clarity and coherence in our written and spoken communication. Subject-verb agreement dictates that the verb in a sentence must align in number with its subject. This means a singular subject requires a singular verb, while a plural subject necessitates a plural verb. However, the intricacies of English grammar often present us with constructions that can blur the lines of this seemingly straightforward rule. One such construction involves the use of the phrase "each of," as exemplified in the sentence "Each of the boys was given a present." This sentence serves as an excellent springboard for a comprehensive discussion on the nuances of subject-verb agreement, particularly when dealing with collective nouns and quantifying expressions.

The sentence "Each of the boys was given a present" might initially seem perplexing to some, as the presence of the plural noun "boys" could lead one to believe that a plural verb is required. However, a closer examination reveals that the true subject of the sentence is not "boys," but rather the singular pronoun "each." The word "each" functions as an indefinite pronoun, referring to individual members within a group. As such, it inherently carries a singular connotation. This singular nature of "each" necessitates the use of a singular verb, which in this case is "was."

To further solidify this understanding, let's consider the sentence's underlying structure. The phrase "of the boys" acts as a prepositional phrase, modifying the pronoun "each." Prepositional phrases typically provide additional information about the subject or object in a sentence but do not influence the subject-verb agreement. In other words, the presence of "of the boys" does not transform the singular subject "each" into a plural one. The core message conveyed by the sentence is that every individual boy within the group received a present, emphasizing the distribution of the gift on a one-by-one basis.

To illustrate this point further, let's examine similar sentences that employ the "each of" construction. For instance, consider the sentence "Each of the girls has a doll." Here, the subject "each" remains singular, necessitating the singular verb "has." Likewise, in the sentence "Each of the students is responsible for their own project," the singular subject "each" correctly pairs with the singular verb "is." These examples reinforce the principle that "each" invariably demands a singular verb, regardless of the presence of plural nouns within the prepositional phrase.

Understanding the behavior of "each" in subject-verb agreement is crucial for mastering English grammar. It underscores the importance of identifying the true subject of a sentence, which may not always be immediately apparent. By recognizing the singular nature of "each" and its governing role over the verb, we can ensure the accuracy and clarity of our writing and speech. This understanding extends beyond the specific case of "each" and provides a foundation for tackling other complex grammatical constructions involving collective nouns, quantifying expressions, and intervening phrases.

Exploring Related Grammatical Concepts

The concept of subject-verb agreement with "each of" naturally leads us to explore related grammatical concepts that often pose challenges for English language learners. One such concept is the use of collective nouns. Collective nouns, such as "team," "committee," "family," and "group," refer to a collection of individuals or items. These nouns can sometimes behave as singular subjects and at other times as plural subjects, depending on the context.

When a collective noun acts as a singular subject, it emphasizes the group as a whole, acting as a single unit. In such cases, a singular verb is used. For example, in the sentence "The team is playing well," the collective noun "team" is treated as a singular entity, performing a unified action. Similarly, in the sentence "The committee has reached a decision," the collective noun "committee" functions as a singular subject, resulting in the use of the singular verb "has."

However, when the focus shifts to the individual members within the group, the collective noun can take on a plural connotation, requiring a plural verb. This typically occurs when the sentence highlights the individual actions or characteristics of the group's members. For instance, consider the sentence "The team are wearing their new uniforms." Here, the emphasis is on the individual team members and their attire, rather than the team as a unified entity. Consequently, the plural verb "are" is used.

The distinction between singular and plural usage of collective nouns often hinges on the writer's or speaker's intended emphasis. If the group is perceived as a single unit, a singular verb is appropriate. If, on the other hand, the individual members are being emphasized, a plural verb may be more fitting. This nuanced understanding of collective nouns is essential for achieving grammatical accuracy and conveying the intended meaning.

Another related concept is the use of quantifying expressions, such as "some," "all," "none," "most," and "any." These expressions often precede a noun and indicate a quantity or proportion. The verb agreement with quantifying expressions depends on the noun they modify. If the noun is singular, a singular verb is required. If the noun is plural, a plural verb is used.

For example, in the sentence "Some of the book is missing," the quantifying expression "some" modifies the singular noun "book," resulting in the singular verb "is." Conversely, in the sentence "Some of the books are missing," the same quantifying expression modifies the plural noun "books," leading to the plural verb "are." This illustrates the direct correlation between the noun modified by the quantifying expression and the verb agreement.

The quantifying expression "none" often presents a unique challenge, as it can be interpreted as either singular or plural. Traditionally, "none" was treated as singular, but modern usage often accepts it as plural, particularly when referring to countable nouns. For instance, both "None of the students is present" and "None of the students are present" are considered grammatically acceptable, although the latter is more common in contemporary English.

Mastering subject-verb agreement with quantifying expressions requires careful attention to the noun being modified and an awareness of the evolving conventions surrounding expressions like "none." By understanding these nuances, writers and speakers can ensure the grammatical correctness and clarity of their communication.

Practical Application and Common Errors

Having explored the theoretical underpinnings of subject-verb agreement with "each of" and related grammatical concepts, let's now turn our attention to practical application and common errors. Applying these principles in real-world writing and speaking scenarios is crucial for solidifying our understanding and avoiding grammatical pitfalls.

One common error arises from overlooking the true subject of the sentence, particularly when intervening phrases or clauses are present. As we've discussed, phrases like "of the boys" do not affect the verb agreement when the subject is "each." However, the presence of such phrases can sometimes distract writers and speakers, leading them to incorrectly match the verb with the noun within the phrase rather than the actual subject.

To avoid this error, it's essential to consciously identify the main subject of the sentence before selecting the appropriate verb form. A helpful strategy is to mentally strip away any intervening phrases or clauses to isolate the core subject. For instance, in the sentence "Each of the students who submitted their assignments early was rewarded," mentally removing the clause "who submitted their assignments early" reveals the core subject as "each," which clearly dictates the singular verb "was."

Another common error stems from the misuse of collective nouns. As we've seen, collective nouns can function as either singular or plural subjects, depending on the context. Failing to recognize this flexibility can lead to incorrect verb agreement. For example, a writer might mistakenly use a singular verb with a collective noun when the intended emphasis is on the individual members, or vice versa.

To ensure accuracy with collective nouns, it's crucial to carefully consider the intended meaning. If the group is acting as a unified entity, a singular verb is appropriate. If, on the other hand, the individual members are being emphasized, a plural verb may be more suitable. Paying close attention to the context and the intended message can help writers and speakers navigate the complexities of collective noun usage.

In addition to these specific errors, a general lack of attention to subject-verb agreement can result in grammatical inconsistencies throughout one's writing or speech. This can detract from the clarity and professionalism of the communication. To cultivate strong subject-verb agreement skills, consistent practice and careful proofreading are essential.

Engaging in exercises that specifically target subject-verb agreement can be highly beneficial. These exercises might involve identifying the correct verb form in various sentences, correcting errors in existing sentences, or even constructing original sentences that adhere to the principles of subject-verb agreement. Regular practice helps to reinforce the rules and develop an intuitive sense for grammatical correctness.

Furthermore, proofreading one's work with a keen eye for subject-verb agreement is crucial. This involves carefully scrutinizing each sentence to ensure that the verb aligns with its subject in number. It can be helpful to read the text aloud, as this can sometimes reveal inconsistencies that might be missed during silent reading. Seeking feedback from others can also provide valuable insights and help to identify any remaining errors.

By actively applying the principles of subject-verb agreement and diligently addressing common errors, writers and speakers can enhance the accuracy and effectiveness of their communication. A strong command of subject-verb agreement is a hallmark of polished writing and confident speaking, contributing to a more professional and persuasive presentation of ideas.

Conclusion: Mastering Subject-Verb Agreement

In conclusion, the sentence "Each of the boys was given a present" serves as a powerful reminder of the intricacies and importance of subject-verb agreement in English grammar. Understanding that "each" functions as a singular pronoun, regardless of the presence of plural nouns within prepositional phrases, is paramount for accurate sentence construction. This understanding extends to related concepts such as collective nouns and quantifying expressions, which further highlight the nuances of subject-verb agreement.

Mastering subject-verb agreement is not merely about adhering to grammatical rules; it's about ensuring clarity, precision, and credibility in our communication. By carefully identifying the true subject of a sentence, considering the context, and avoiding common errors, we can effectively convey our intended meaning and establish ourselves as skilled communicators.

The journey to grammatical mastery is an ongoing process, requiring consistent effort, practice, and attention to detail. However, the rewards of this effort are significant. A strong command of grammar enhances our ability to express ourselves effectively, both in writing and in speech. It allows us to communicate our ideas with confidence and clarity, fostering stronger connections with our audience.

As we continue to refine our grammatical skills, let us embrace the challenges and celebrate the progress we make along the way. With each correctly constructed sentence, we solidify our understanding of the English language and enhance our ability to communicate effectively in a globalized world. The principles of subject-verb agreement, while seemingly complex at times, ultimately provide the framework for clear and compelling communication, empowering us to express ourselves with precision and impact.