English grammar is a set of rules that helps us to make use of the language better. The first step while learning English is to learn the grammar and to master it. English is a language spoken in many parts of the world and becoming truly fluent in it as a second language speaker is a challenge.

One of the most common errors in English grammar is the agreement of subjects and verbs in sentences. It is essential for English language learners to identify and find subjects and verbs in order to know how to make them agree. Being able to find the right subject and verb will help language learners to correct errors of agreement.

First let us define what is a subject and a verb:

* A subject is the noun or pronoun that performs the verb
* A verb is a word that shows action or state of being

Being able to identify the subject and the verb correctly will also help learners with using punctuations such as commas and semicolons.

The following are some rules in finding the subject and verb:

1. If a verb follows to, it is called an infinitive phrase and is not the main verb. You will find the main verb either before or after the infinitive phrase.

Ex. I like to run.

The efforts to get him elected succeeded.

2. A subject will come before a phrase beginning with of.

Ex. A bouquet of pink flowers will lend color and fragrance to the room.

3. To find the subject and verb, always find the verb first. In order to find the subject, ask who or what performed the verb.

Ex. The jet engine passed inspection.

Passed is the verb. Who or what passed? The engine, so engine is the subject. Technically, jet is an adjective here and is part of what is known as the complete subject.

4. Any request or command has the understood subject you because if we ask who is to do the command, the answer must be you.

Ex. Please bring my notebook.

Bring is the verb. Who is to bring? The answer is you.

5. Sentences often have more than subject, more than one verb, or pairs of subjects and verbs.

Ex. I like cake and she likes ice cream.

(Two pairs of subjects and verbs)

She and I like cake.

(Two subjects and one verb)

He lifts weights and jogs daily.

(One subject and two verbs)

Knowing how to identify the subject and verb or a sentence matters a lot that is why if you are on your way to becoming fluent in English, better brush up your skills in identifying them!