Subject-verb agreement

Definition

Subject-verb agreement is the grammatical rule that requires the subject of a sentence to match its verb in number, meaning both must be singular or both must be plural. This principle is vital for clarity and coherence in writing, as it ensures that sentences are easily understood and convey the intended meaning. Proper subject-verb agreement helps maintain consistency throughout a text, affecting editing and proofreading processes, while also playing a role in verb tense and form usage, stylistic choices, and overall grammar context.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Subject-verb agreement is important in both written and spoken language, as errors can lead to confusion about who or what is being discussed.
2. In sentences with compound subjects connected by 'and', the verb typically takes a plural form; however, when subjects are connected by 'or' or 'nor', the verb agrees with the nearer subject.
3. Collective nouns (like 'team' or 'group') can be tricky; they can take either singular or plural verbs depending on whether the group acts as one unit or as individuals.
4. In questions or sentences starting with phrases like 'There is' or 'There are', the verb must still agree with the true subject that follows.
5. Subject-verb agreement rules can change slightly depending on context, such as when using indefinite pronouns like 'everyone' or 'several', which require specific verb forms.

Review Questions

• How does understanding subject-verb agreement enhance your ability to edit and proofread written work?
  • Understanding subject-verb agreement allows for better editing and proofreading because it helps identify inconsistencies in sentences that may confuse readers. When subjects do not match their verbs, it can lead to awkward phrasing and unclear meaning. By mastering this rule, writers can ensure clarity in their writing, making it easier for editors to spot errors that could detract from the overall quality of the text.
• Discuss how subject-verb agreement influences the choice of verb tenses in complex sentences.
  • Subject-verb agreement directly affects verb tense choices, especially in complex sentences where multiple clauses may contain different subjects. Each clause must maintain correct agreement within its own context; for example, if a clause has a singular subject, the verb must remain singular regardless of other clauses. This ensures that each part of a sentence flows logically and maintains clarity, which is essential for effective communication.
• Evaluate the impact of subject-verb agreement on style and usage in formal writing versus informal writing.
  • In formal writing, strict adherence to subject-verb agreement is crucial as it reflects professionalism and attention to detail, enhancing credibility. Errors in agreement can undermine the writer's authority and distract readers from the content. In contrast, informal writing may allow for some flexibility; however, maintaining correct agreement can still help convey thoughts more clearly. Ultimately, mastering subject-verb agreement benefits all types of writing by promoting coherence and clarity.

Related terms

Singular: Refers to one person, place, thing, or idea; verbs used with singular subjects must also be singular.

Plural: Refers to more than one person, place, thing, or idea; verbs used with plural subjects must be plural.

Agreement: The grammatical alignment between different parts of a sentence, such as subjects and verbs, ensuring they correspond correctly.