Subject-verb agreement is one of the fundamental principles of grammar, and it plays a significant role in enhancing the comprehension and clarity of a written text. This principle refers to the relationship between subjects and verbs within sentences.
In simpler terms, subject-verb agreement means that the subject and the verb in a sentence should match in number. In other words, if the subject is singular, the verb should be singular, and if the subject is plural, the verb should also be plural.
For instance, in the sentence “She runs every day,” the subject – “she” – is singular. Hence, the verb – “runs” – is also singular, reflecting the subject-verb agreement. Similarly, in the sentence “They swim every day,” the subject – “they” – is plural, and the verb – “swim” – is also plural to show the subject-verb agreement.
However, it`s essential to note that subject-verb agreement can be tricky, particularly when it involves complex subjects or intervening phrases. Here are some tips to help you exercise proper subject-verb agreement:
1. Identify the subject and verb in a sentence. Often, the subject comes before the verb, but this isn`t always the case. Therefore, pay attention to the sentence structure and look for the primary subjects and verbs.
2. Determine the number of the subject. The subject is either singular or plural, and this will determine the number of the verb.
3. Be cautious of intervening phrases. Intervening phrases such as prepositional phrases can distract from the primary subject-verb agreement. Therefore, ignore these phrases and focus on the primary subject-verb agreement.
4. Don`t be fooled by linking verbs. Linking verbs don`t always follow the typical singular or plural patterns. For instance, the sentence “The team is playing well” uses a singular linking verb “is” with a plural subject “team” because “team” is considered a collective noun.
5. Watch out for compound subjects. Compound subjects consist of two or more subjects joined by a conjunction. In this case, the verb should agree with the plurality of the compound subject.
In conclusion, subject-verb agreement is essential in writing because it enhances the clarity and readability of a text. By following the tips outlined above, you can exercise proper subject-verb agreement even when you encounter complex sentence structures.