Subject-verb agreement is a crucial aspect of the English language. It is one of the most fundamental rules that every writer, editor, and proofreader must pay attention to. Poor subject-verb agreement can confuse readers, make writing sound awkward, and undermine the credibility of the author.
In essence, subject-verb agreement refers to the agreement between the subject (the person, place, thing, or idea that the sentence is about) and the verb (the action or state of being expressed in the sentence). The basic rule of subject-verb agreement is that a singular subject takes a singular verb, while a plural subject takes a plural verb.
For instance, consider the following sentence: “The cat sits on the mat.” In this sentence, “cat” is the subject, and “sits” is the verb. Notice how the singular subject “cat” takes the singular verb “sits.” This agreement between the subject and the verb makes the sentence grammatically correct.
In contrast, consider this sentence: “The cats sit on the mat.” In this sentence, “cats” is the subject, and “sit” is the verb. Notice how the plural subject “cats” takes the plural verb “sit.” Again, this agreement between the subject and the verb makes the sentence grammatically correct.
However, subject-verb agreement can become more complex when dealing with compound subjects, indefinite pronouns, collective nouns, and inverted sentences. Here are some additional tips to help you master subject-verb agreement:
1. Compound subjects: When a sentence has more than one subject connected by “and,” use a plural verb. Example: “Tom and Jerry enjoy playing together.”
2. Indefinite pronouns: When using indefinite pronouns, such as “everyone,” “someone,” or “anybody,” a singular verb is used. Example: “Everybody loves ice cream.”
3. Collective nouns: Collective nouns refer to a group of people, animals, or things. Examples of collective nouns include “family,” “team,” and “herd.” When using collective nouns, a singular verb is used if the group is acting as a single entity. Example: “The team is excited about the upcoming game.” However, a plural verb is used if the individuals in the group are acting independently. Example: “The team members are preparing for the game.”
4. Inverted sentences: Inverted sentences are those in which the subject and verb are inverted for emphasis. In such cases, make sure to identify the subject before determining the correct verb agreement. Example: “On the mat sits the old cat.”
In conclusion, subject-verb agreement is a crucial aspect of good writing. It helps to ensure clarity, accuracy, and credibility. By following the basic rules and paying attention to the more complex cases, you can master subject-verb agreement and improve your writing skills.