Subject-verb agreement is the grammatical rule that ensures the subject and verb in a sentence match in number, meaning both need to be singular or plural. This agreement is essential for clear communication, as it helps readers understand the relationship between the subject and the action being described. Proper subject-verb agreement enhances the overall coherence of writing and is a fundamental aspect of editing and proofreading.
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In English, a singular subject takes a singular verb, while a plural subject takes a plural verb. For example, 'The dog barks' (singular) vs. 'The dogs bark' (plural).
Collective nouns can be tricky; they may take a singular or plural verb depending on whether the group acts as a single unit or as individuals. For instance, 'The team wins' vs. 'The team are arguing.'
When sentences start with phrases like 'There are' or 'There is,' the verb must agree with the subject that follows these phrases. For example, 'There is a cat' vs. 'There are cats.'
Indefinite pronouns such as 'everyone,' 'each,' and 'some' typically take singular verbs, like in 'Everyone loves pizza.'
In complex sentences, especially those with clauses, ensure that the main subject and verb agree even if other subjects are present in subordinate clauses.
Review Questions
How does subject-verb agreement impact the clarity of a sentence when editing?
Subject-verb agreement significantly affects the clarity of a sentence by ensuring that readers can easily identify who is performing the action and whether it is singular or plural. When subjects and verbs do not agree, it can create confusion about what is being discussed. Therefore, careful editing for subject-verb agreement helps maintain clear communication and prevents misunderstandings.
What strategies can be implemented during proofreading to identify and correct subject-verb agreement errors?
During proofreading, one effective strategy is to read sentences aloud to hear how they sound; this often highlights any awkward phrasing or agreement issues. Another method is to check each subject for its number—singular or plural—before verifying that the corresponding verb matches. Additionally, looking out for tricky words like collective nouns or indefinite pronouns can help catch potential errors before finalizing written work.
Evaluate how mastery of subject-verb agreement contributes to overall writing effectiveness and reader engagement.
Mastering subject-verb agreement greatly enhances writing effectiveness by fostering clarity and precision in communication. When readers encounter well-structured sentences where subjects and verbs align correctly, they can follow the author's ideas more easily, which boosts engagement. Furthermore, consistent adherence to this grammatical rule reflects attention to detail and professionalism, encouraging readers to trust the content and stay focused on its message.
Related terms
Subject: The noun or pronoun that performs the action of the verb in a sentence.
Verb: A word that describes an action, occurrence, or state of being within a sentence.
Agreement Errors: Mistakes made when the subject and verb do not align in number, often leading to confusion in a sentence.