Subject-verb disagreement

Definition

Subject-verb disagreement occurs when the subject of a sentence and its verb do not agree in number, leading to grammatical errors. This often happens when a singular subject is paired with a plural verb or vice versa, creating confusion about who or what is performing the action. Understanding this concept is crucial for maintaining clarity and accuracy in writing, as it ensures that sentences convey their intended meanings without ambiguity.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Subject-verb disagreement can lead to confusion for readers and listeners, making it essential for effective communication.
2. Common sources of disagreement include collective nouns, which may be treated as singular or plural depending on context.
3. In English, verbs change form based on whether their subjects are singular or plural, which is why it's important to identify the subject correctly.
4. Subjects that are joined by 'and' typically take a plural verb, while subjects joined by 'or' or 'nor' usually take a verb that agrees with the nearest subject.
5. Identifying the true subject in complex sentences, especially those with phrases or clauses intervening, is key to avoiding subject-verb disagreement.

Review Questions

• How can you identify and correct subject-verb disagreement in complex sentences?
  • To identify and correct subject-verb disagreement in complex sentences, first locate the main subject by disregarding any phrases or clauses that may separate it from the verb. Once you have identified the true subject, ensure that it matches in number with the verb. For instance, if the subject is singular, use a singular verb form. This practice helps maintain clarity and accuracy in your writing.
• What are some common pitfalls that lead to subject-verb disagreement, particularly with collective nouns and compound subjects?
  • Common pitfalls leading to subject-verb disagreement include misinterpreting collective nouns, which can be singular or plural depending on context. For example, 'The team wins' treats 'team' as a single entity, while 'The team are arguing' implies individual members are involved. Additionally, with compound subjects joined by 'and', the verb should be plural (e.g., 'Tom and Jerry run'), while 'or' joins subjects that require careful attention to match with the nearest noun's number.
• Evaluate how understanding subject-verb agreement enhances overall writing quality and reader comprehension.
  • Understanding subject-verb agreement significantly enhances writing quality and reader comprehension by ensuring clarity and precision in expression. When writers maintain correct agreement, they eliminate ambiguity about actions and subjects within sentences. This attention to detail fosters trust between the writer and reader, as well as encourages engagement with the text. Therefore, mastering this grammatical principle not only improves individual writing skills but also contributes to effective communication in diverse contexts.

Related terms

subject: The subject is the part of a sentence that indicates who or what the sentence is about, typically performing the action of the verb.

verb: A verb is a word that describes an action, occurrence, or state of being, serving as a crucial component of a sentence's predicate.

agreement: Agreement refers to the grammatical rule that requires certain parts of speech in a sentence to match in number and gender, such as subjects and verbs.