When it comes to writing, one of the most fundamental rules is subject-verb agreement. This rule states that the subject of a sentence must agree with its verb in terms of number, meaning that a singular subject requires a singular verb and a plural subject requires a plural verb. Correct subject-verb agreement not only ensures grammatical correctness, but it also makes writing clearer and more powerful.
Below are some tips for ensuring subject-verb agreement in your writing:
1. Identify the subject and verb in each sentence.
To ensure that your subjects and verbs agree, it is essential to identify them correctly. The subject is the person, place, thing, or idea that the sentence is about, while the verb is the action or state of being that the subject is performing. For instance, in the sentence “The dog barks at the mailman,” the subject is “the dog,” and the verb is “barks.”
2. Make sure the subject and verb agree in number.
Once you have identified the subject and verb, make sure they agree in number. If the subject is singular, the verb should be singular, and if the subject is plural, the verb should be plural. For example, in the sentence “The dogs bark at the mailman,” the subject “dogs” is plural, so the verb “bark” is also plural.
3. Pay attention to tricky subjects.
Some words can be tricky to identify as singular or plural, such as “none,” “everyone,” and “data.” For instance, “none” can be treated as a singular or plural noun depending on the context. If the subject is “none” of something, then it is treated as a singular noun. For example, “None of the cake was left.” On the other hand, if the subject is “none” of a plural noun, then it is treated as a plural noun. For example, “None of the students were present.”
4. Keep an eye out for tricky verbs.
Some verbs can also be tricky when it comes to subject-verb agreement. For instance, “to be” verbs, such as am, is, are, was, and were, can be misleading. The verb “was” is singular, while “were” is plural. Similarly, “have” and “has” are also verbs that can be tricky in terms of subject-verb agreement.
In conclusion, subject-verb agreement is an essential aspect of writing that should not be overlooked. Correctly matching the subject with the verb ensures that your writing is grammatically correct, clear, and concise. By following the tips outlined in this article, you can improve your writing skills and create more powerful sentences.
