Subject-verb agreement is a crucial aspect of grammar that can impact the clarity and coherence of your writing. When it comes to the use of “it” as the subject of a sentence, understanding the rules of subject-verb agreement becomes especially important. As a copy editor with extensive experience in SEO, I have come across numerous instances where subject-verb agreement with “it” has been a challenge for writers. In this article, I will explain the rules of subject-verb agreement with “it” and provide some tips for avoiding common mistakes.

Firstly, it is essential to understand that “it” can function as both a singular and a plural noun, depending on the context of the sentence. For instance, in the sentence, “It is raining outside,” “it” is considered a singular noun that refers to the weather conditions. Conversely, in the sentence, “It`s time to go for a run every day,” “it” is regarded as a plural noun that refers to a general routine or habit. Therefore, it`s crucial to consider the context of the sentence before determining whether to use a singular or plural verb with “it.”

The rule of subject-verb agreement with “it” is straightforward. If “it” is a singular noun, use a singular verb. Similarly, if “it” is a plural noun, use a plural verb. For instance, in the sentence, “It is essential to wear a mask during the pandemic,” “wear” is a singular verb that agrees with the singular noun “it.” On the other hand, in the sentence, “It`s time to start working on our projects,” “start” is a plural verb that agrees with the plural noun “it.”

However, there are several instances where writers make mistakes with subject-verb agreement with “it.” One common mistake is using a plural verb with a singular “it” or vice versa. For example, in the sentence, “It`s important to know that they are responsible for their actions,” the plural verb “are” does not match the singular noun “it.” In this case, it should be corrected to “It`s important to know that he or she is responsible for his or her actions.” Similarly, in the sentence, “It`s raining cats and dogs outside,” the singular verb “is” does not agree with the plural noun “cats and dogs.” Therefore, it should be corrected to “They are raining cats and dogs outside.”

Another mistake that writers make is failing to identify the subject of the sentence correctly. It is not uncommon to encounter sentences where the subject is ambiguous or unclear. In such instances, identifying the subject of the sentence can help determine the appropriate verb to use with “it.” For example, in the sentence, “It`s important to brush your teeth twice a day,” the subject of the sentence is “brushing your teeth.” Therefore, the verb “is” agrees with the singular subject “brushing your teeth.”

In conclusion, subject-verb agreement with “it” is a crucial aspect of grammar that cannot be ignored. As a professional, I recommend that writers carefully consider the context of the sentence and the subject of the sentence before deciding on the appropriate verb to use with “it.” By following the simple rule of using a singular verb with a singular “it” and a plural verb with a plural “it,” writers can produce clear and concise sentences that enhance the quality of their writing.