When it comes to writing, one of the most important aspects that you need to keep in mind is the subject-verb agreement. This means that the subject and verb in a sentence should match in terms of their number. For instance, if the subject is singular, then the verb should also be singular, and if the subject is plural, then the verb should be plural as well. However, when it comes to using the clause “most of,” things can get a little tricky.

The phrase “most of” is often used to indicate a large percentage or quantity of something. For example, “Most of the students in the class are from out of town.” In this sentence, the subject “students” is plural, and the verb “are” matches this number. However, when the phrase “most of” is used, it can be confusing to determine whether the subject is singular or plural.

In sentences where “most of” is followed by a singular noun, the verb should be singular as well. For instance, “Most of the cake is gone.” In this sentence, the subject “cake” is singular, and the verb “is” is also singular. This shows that the majority of the cake has been consumed.

On the other hand, when “most of” is followed by a plural noun, the verb should also be plural. For example, “Most of the books are on the shelf.” In this sentence, the subject “books” is plural, and the verb “are” matches this number. This shows that the majority of the books are in their proper place.

It is important to be mindful of subject-verb agreement when using the phrase “most of.” If you`re unsure about the number of the subject, take a closer look at the noun that follows “most of” to determine whether it is singular or plural. This will help you ensure that your writing is grammatically correct and clear to your readers.

In conclusion, subject-verb agreement is a critical aspect of writing that cannot be ignored, and using the phrase “most of” can make it a little more complicated. However, with a little practice, you can master this grammar rule and produce clear and effective writing that effectively communicates your intended message.