Subject-verb agreement is an essential part of grammar that every writer and speaker should master. It refers to the matching of the subject and the verb in a sentence in terms of number and person. The primary rule to follow in subject-verb agreement is that a singular subject requires a singular verb, while a plural subject requires a plural verb.
For example, „The dog barks” follows the rule of subject-verb agreement because the singular subject „dog” corresponds to the singular verb „barks.” On the other hand, „The dogs bark” is correct because the plural subject „dogs” corresponds to the plural verb „bark.”
However, subject-verb agreement can sometimes be tricky to get right, especially when the sentence involves tricky grammar rules such as collective nouns and indefinite pronouns. Here are some tips to help you avoid making mistakes with subject-verb agreement in your writing:
1. Identify the subject and the verb in the sentence and make sure they agree in terms of number and person.
2. Don`t be fooled by phrases that come between the subject and the verb. These phrases, such as „alongside,” „as well as,” and „together with,” do not affect the agreement. For example, „The cat, along with her kittens, is sleeping” is correct because the singular subject „cat” agrees with the singular verb „is sleeping.”
3. Watch out for collective nouns, which refer to a group of individuals treated as a single entity. Collective nouns can be singular or plural, depending on the context. For example, „The team is excited about the game” is correct because the collective noun „team” is treated as a single entity. However, „The team are arguing amongst themselves” is correct because the context implies that the individuals within the team are acting separately.
4. Pay attention to indefinite pronouns such as „everyone,” „anyone,” and „someone,” which are always singular and require a singular verb. For example, „Everyone is looking forward to the party” follows the rule of subject-verb agreement.
In conclusion, subject-verb agreement is a crucial component of grammar that can affect the clarity and credibility of your writing. By following these tips, you can avoid making common mistakes and improve the overall effectiveness of your communication. Remember to always double-check your work for subject-verb agreement and other grammatical errors before finalizing your writing.