Subject verb agreement is a cornerstone of good writing. It is the concept of ensuring that the subject and verb in a sentence are in agreement with each other, both in number and in person. When we talk about „a few” in a sentence, it can complicate subject verb agreement.

„A few” is a phrase that refers to a quantity of something that is not specific but is more than two. This phrase has its own set of rules when it comes to subject verb agreement.

When „a few” is followed by a singular noun, the verb should be singular. For example, „A few people is waiting at the bus stop.” Here, the subject `people` is plural. However, when `a few`, which is a phrase indicating a small amount of the noun is added, it makes it singular. Hence, the verb form should be singular `is.`

On the other hand, when „a few” is followed by a plural noun, the verb should be plural. For instance, „A few books are missing from the library shelf.” `Books` refers to more than one book, hence plural. Therefore, the verb `are` is correct in this sentence.

It is important to note that „a few” is different from „few” and „many” when it comes to subject verb agreement. When „few” and „many” are used before a noun, they make the noun plural. For example, „Few people want to go to the party.” Here, the noun `people` is plural.

However, when „few” and „many” are used without a noun, they take on a singular verb. For example, „Few want to go to the party.” Here, the verb `want` is singular because `few` takes on a singular verb.

In conclusion, subject verb agreement is crucial in ensuring that your writing is clear and grammatically correct. When dealing with „a few” in a sentence, it is important to remember that the verb should be singular when followed by a singular noun and plural when followed by a plural noun. This understanding will help you to construct grammatically correct and clear sentences.