Subject-verb agreement

Definition

Subject-verb agreement refers to the grammatical rule that the subject of a sentence must agree in number with its verb. This means that singular subjects take singular verbs, while plural subjects take plural verbs. Maintaining proper subject-verb agreement is crucial for clarity and coherence in writing, especially in journalism where precision in language directly impacts the effectiveness of communication.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In sentences where the subject is a collective noun, such as 'team' or 'group,' the verb can be either singular or plural depending on whether the group is acting as a single unit or as individuals.
2. When using phrases like 'neither/nor' or 'either/or,' the verb should agree with the nearest subject.
3. Indefinite pronouns such as 'everyone' or 'each' are always considered singular and take singular verbs.
4. Subject-verb agreement becomes especially important in headlines and leads of news articles where brevity and clarity are key.
5. Errors in subject-verb agreement can lead to confusion and misinterpretation of the information presented in news articles.

Review Questions

• How does understanding subject-verb agreement enhance the clarity of a news article?
  • Understanding subject-verb agreement helps ensure that the relationships between subjects and verbs are clear and accurate, which is vital in news articles. When subjects and verbs agree in number, it prevents ambiguity and confusion for readers, allowing them to grasp the intended meaning quickly. In journalism, where every word counts, maintaining proper subject-verb agreement contributes significantly to effective communication.
• Discuss how collective nouns affect subject-verb agreement in journalistic writing.
  • Collective nouns can complicate subject-verb agreement because they can be interpreted as either singular or plural based on context. For example, if a sentence states 'The team wins its match,' it treats the team as a single entity, so a singular verb is appropriate. However, if the context implies individual actions, such as 'The team are arguing among themselves,' then a plural verb may be more fitting. Journalists must pay attention to context to ensure correct usage, enhancing the accuracy of their reporting.
• Evaluate the impact of subject-verb agreement errors on the credibility of journalistic content.
  • Subject-verb agreement errors can significantly undermine the credibility of journalistic content by making it appear careless or unprofessional. Such errors can distract readers from the main message and create doubt about the reliability of the information presented. In an industry where trust is paramount, maintaining high standards of grammar, including correct subject-verb agreement, is essential for fostering reader confidence and ensuring that reporting is taken seriously.

Related terms

Singular: A form that refers to one person, place, thing, or idea.

Plural: A form that refers to more than one person, place, thing, or idea.

Subject: The part of a sentence or clause that indicates who or what the sentence is about.