2022/01/04 | cast-c | 未分類
Subject-verb agreement is a fundamental part of grammar that every writer, editor, or content marketer needs to understand. It refers to the correct pairing of the subject and the verb in a sentence to avoid errors that might affect the meaning of the sentence. In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about subject-verb agreement, including examples and common mistakes.
What is Subject-Verb Agreement?
Subject-verb agreement simply means that the subject and the verb in a sentence should agree in number. In other words, if the subject is singular, the verb should also be singular, and if the subject is plural, the verb should be plural as well. It is important to note that the verb must always agree with the subject, not with any other words in the sentence.
Example:
– Singular subject: The cat sleeps on the couch.
– Plural subject: The dogs run in the park.
In the first sentence, the subject “cat” is singular, and the verb “sleeps” is also singular. However, in the second sentence, the subject “dogs” is plural, and the verb “run” is also plural.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
The most common errors in subject-verb agreement come from confusing singular and plural subjects. Here are some of the common mistakes to avoid:
1. Collective Nouns
Collective nouns refer to a group of people, animals, or things, and they can be singular or plural depending on the context. When a collective noun is used with a singular verb, it refers to the group as a whole, whereas when it is used with a plural verb, it refers to the individuals within the group.
Example:
– The team is playing well today. (singular)
– The team are all wearing new jerseys. (plural)
In the first sentence, the collective noun “team” is singular, and the verb “is” is also singular. However, in the second sentence, the collective noun “team” is used with a plural verb “are” because it refers to the individuals within the team.
2. Compound Subjects
A compound subject is made up of two or more nouns or pronouns that are joined by “and.” When a compound subject is joined by “and,” it is considered plural, and the verb should be plural as well.
Example:
– Lily and her friends are going to the beach.
In this sentence, the compound subject “Lily and her friends” is plural, and the verb “are” is also plural.
3. Indefinite Pronouns
Indefinite pronouns refer to nonspecific people or things and can be singular or plural depending on the context. When an indefinite pronoun is used as a subject, it is considered singular, and the verb should also be singular.
Example:
– Someone is knocking at the door.
In this sentence, the indefinite pronoun “someone” is singular, and the verb “is” is also singular.
Conclusion
Subject-verb agreement is an essential aspect of writing clear, concise sentences. As an editor, it is crucial to pay attention to subject-verb agreement and avoid common errors that might affect the meaning of the sentence. By following the rules of subject-verb agreement and using examples, you can improve your writing and ensure that your message is conveyed effectively.
