key term - Along with

Definition

'Along with' is a prepositional phrase that indicates addition or accompaniment. It connects two or more subjects in a sentence, affecting the agreement between the subject and verb. This term is crucial for understanding how compound subjects work, especially in determining whether the verb should be singular or plural based on the subjects it connects.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. 'Along with' does not change the number of the main subject when determining verb form; instead, it acts as additional information.
2. When 'along with' is used, the verb usually agrees with the first subject mentioned, unless that subject is preceded by 'as well as' or 'together with.'
3. 'Along with' can often lead to errors in subject-verb agreement if one mistakenly treats it as a conjunction that creates a new subject.
4. It's essential to identify the primary subject correctly when using 'along with,' as this influences how the sentence flows grammatically.
5. Using 'along with' emphasizes cooperation or partnership between subjects, often clarifying relationships in complex sentences.

Review Questions

• How does 'along with' affect subject-verb agreement in a sentence?
  • 'Along with' serves as an additional phrase that does not alter the number of the main subject. When using 'along with,' the verb typically agrees with the first subject mentioned. For example, in the sentence 'The dog, along with its owner, is going for a walk,' the verb 'is' agrees with 'the dog,' which is singular, illustrating how 'along with' influences agreement.
• What are some common mistakes people make when using 'along with' in sentences?
  • A common mistake is treating 'along with' as a conjunction that creates a plural subject. For instance, one might incorrectly say 'The cat along with her kittens are sleeping,' instead of correctly using 'is.' This error arises from misunderstanding that 'along with' simply adds information and does not change the singular nature of 'the cat,' which requires a singular verb.
• Evaluate how understanding 'along with' and its impact on subject-verb agreement can enhance writing clarity and correctness.
  • Understanding how 'along with' affects subject-verb agreement allows writers to construct clearer and more grammatically correct sentences. By recognizing that this phrase does not create a new subject, writers can avoid common pitfalls that lead to confusion or misinterpretation. Enhanced clarity results from correctly identifying the main subject and ensuring consistent verb forms, ultimately improving communication and reducing ambiguity in writing.

Related terms

Compound Subject: 'Compound subject' refers to a subject that consists of two or more nouns or pronouns joined by a conjunction, which can affect verb agreement.

Subject-Verb Agreement: 'Subject-verb agreement' is the grammatical rule that the verb must agree in number (singular or plural) with its subject.

Conjunction:

'Conjunction' is a word used to connect clauses or sentences or to coordinate words in the same clause, impacting how subjects are treated together.