Subject-verb agreement is a fundamental grammatical rule that is essential to effective communication in English. It is particularly important at the college level, where the precision of language is critical to the success of academic writing. In this article, we will explore the basics of subject-verb agreement, common errors to avoid, and tips for mastering this grammatical concept.
Subject-Verb Agreement: The Basics
Subject-verb agreement simply means that the subject of a sentence must agree with the verb in terms of number. This means that if the subject is singular, the verb must also be singular, and if the subject is plural, the verb must also be plural.
For example, consider the following sentence: “The dog barks.” In this sentence, the subject is singular (dog), and the verb (barks) is also singular. This sentence follows the basic rule of subject-verb agreement.
On the other hand, if the subject is plural, the verb should also be plural. For instance, “The dogs bark.” In this sentence, the subject is plural (dogs), and the verb (bark) is also plural. This sentence also follows the basic rule of subject-verb agreement.
Common Errors to Avoid
Despite being a fundamental rule in English, subject-verb agreement is still a source of confusion for many writers. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
1. Incorrect subject-verb agreement with compound subjects.
A compound subject is a noun that consists of two or more nouns joined by “and.” In such cases, the verb should be plural. For example, “John and Jane are studying in college.” In this sentence, the subject is compound (John and Jane), and the verb (are studying) is plural.
2. Incorrect subject-verb agreement with collective nouns.
A collective noun refers to a group of people or things. Despite being a singular noun, collective nouns should take a plural verb when the group is acting as individuals. For example, “The team are preparing for the tournament.” In this sentence, although the subject (team) is singular, the verb (are preparing) is plural because each member of the team is acting individually.
3. Incorrect subject-verb agreement with indefinite pronouns.
Indefinite pronouns such as “everyone,” “someone,” and “anyone” are treated as singular, and therefore require a singular verb. For example, “Everyone in the class is required to submit their assignment.” In this sentence, the subject (everyone) is singular, and the verb (is required) is also singular.
Tips for Mastering Subject-Verb Agreement
1. Be mindful of subject-verb agreement when writing.
As you write, always pay attention to the subject-verb agreement in each sentence. Make a habit of double-checking to ensure that the subject and verb agree in number.
2. Know the rules.
Understanding the basic rules of subject-verb agreement is crucial for mastering this grammatical concept. Reviewing the rules and practicing through exercises can help you identify and correct common errors.
3. Read extensively.
Reading extensively can help you internalize the rules of subject-verb agreement. It exposes you to a variety of sentence structures and helps you develop an intuitive sense of when subject-verb agreement is correct.
Conclusion
Subject-verb agreement is an essential grammatical rule that should be mastered by college-level writers. Adhering to the basic rules, avoiding common errors, and practicing regularly can help you achieve a high level of accuracy in your writing. By mastering subject-verb agreement, you can communicate effectively and convey your ideas with precision and clarity.