Subject-verb agreement is a critical aspect of grammar that often confuses even the most experienced writers. It can be frustrating when you`re trying to communicate your message clearly, but your readers keep getting lost due to grammatical errors. However, there are some practical tips you can follow to ensure that your subject and verbs are always in agreement.
1. Identify the Subject of the Sentence
The first step in ensuring subject-verb agreement is identifying the subject of the sentence. The subject is who or what the sentence is about, and it`s usually found at the beginning of the sentence. Once you`ve identified the subject, ensure that the verb agrees with it in number and person.
2. Pay Attention to the Number of the Subject
The number of the subject will determine the form of the verb that should be used. For instance, a singular subject requires a singular verb, while a plural subject requires a plural verb. So, if the subject is “he,” “she,” or “it,” you should use the singular verb form. However, if the subject is “they,” “we,” or “you,” you should use the plural verb form.
3. Don`t Get Confused by Compound Subjects
A compound subject is a subject that consists of two or more nouns or pronouns joined by “and.” In this case, the verb should agree with the plural subject, even if each subject is singular. For example, “My brother and I are going to the store.”
4. Be Careful When Using Collective Nouns
A collective noun is a noun that refers to a group of people or things, but it`s treated as a single entity. Examples of collective nouns include family, team, committee, or class. In this case, the verb should agree with the collective noun`s number. For example, “The committee is meeting next week.”
5. Look Out for Indefinite Pronouns
Indefinite pronouns are pronouns that don`t refer to a specific person or thing, such as “anyone,” “someone,” “everyone,” or “nobody.” These pronouns are always singular, so they require a singular verb form. For instance, “Everyone is waiting for the movie to start.”
In conclusion, subject-verb agreement is crucial if you want to communicate effectively with your readers. By following the tips outlined above, you can ensure that your sentences are grammatically correct and easy to understand. Remember that while it may seem challenging at first, the more you practice, the more comfortable you`ll become with subject-verb agreement.