Subject-verb agreement is a common problem that often goes unnoticed in writing. This issue occurs when the subject and the verb do not agree in number, meaning that the verb either does not match the subject or matches it improperly. This problem may seem trivial, but it can significantly affect the meaning of a sentence and make your content difficult to read and understand. In this article, we will discuss what subject-verb agreement is, how to identify it, and tips on how to avoid this problem in your writing.
What is subject-verb agreement?
Subject-verb agreement is the relationship between the subject and the verb in a sentence. In English, the subject is usually a noun or pronoun that performs an action or is the focus of the sentence. The verb, on the other hand, is a word that expresses action, occurrence, or existence. When writing a sentence, it is crucial that the subject and verb agree in number, meaning that a singular subject requires a singular verb, and a plural subject requires a plural verb.
Identifying subject-verb agreement errors
One of the biggest issues with subject-verb agreement errors is that they can be difficult to spot. However, there are several things you can look for when editing your writing. For example, if you have a singular subject, and the verb is in the plural form, the sentence will sound awkward and unclear. Conversely, if you have a plural subject and a singular verb, the sentence will not make sense. Here are some examples:
Incorrect: The cat on the shelf were sleeping.
Correct: The cat on the shelf was sleeping.
Incorrect: The birds outside the window is chirping.
Correct: The birds outside the window are chirping.
Tips for avoiding subject-verb agreement errors
Subject-verb agreement errors are common, but they can be easily avoided with a few simple tips. Here are some things to keep in mind when writing and editing your content:
1. Identify the subject and verb: Before writing a sentence, identify the subject and verb so that you can ensure that they agree in number.
2. Match singular and plural: Be sure to match singular subjects with singular verbs, and plural subjects with plural verbs.
3. Compound subjects: When you have a compound subject joined by “and,” use a plural verb. If the compound subject is joined by “or” or “nor,” use a singular verb.
4. Tricky subjects: Be aware of tricky subjects like collective nouns, indefinite pronouns, and phrases that begin with “there.” These subjects can be singular or plural, depending on the context.
In conclusion, subject-verb agreement is an essential aspect of writing that ensures clarity and consistency in your content. Although it may take some practice to master, following the tips outlined in this article will help you avoid subject-verb agreement errors and improve the overall quality of your writing. Keep in mind that editing and proofreading are essential tools to help you catch these errors and make your writing stand out. Happy writing!
