Subject Verb Agreement Correct and Incorrect

Subject-verb agreement is a crucial grammar rule that every writer must master. As a copy editor, I have come across numerous instances where this rule is violated, leading to confusion and misinterpretation of the text. In this article, I will explain what subject-verb agreement is and highlight some examples of correct and incorrect usage.

Subject-verb agreement is a rule that governs the relationship between the subject and verb in a sentence. Simply put, if the subject of the sentence is singular, the verb must also be singular. Similarly, if the subject is plural, the verb must be plural. This rule applies to all tenses and forms of the verb.

Let`s take a look at some examples of correct subject-verb agreement:

– The cat walks on the table. (singular subject – walks)

– The cats walk on the table. (plural subject – walk)

– He is eating his lunch. (singular subject – is eating)

– They are eating their lunch. (plural subject – are eating)

Now, let`s look at some examples of incorrect subject-verb agreement:

– The cats walks on the table. (incorrect – subject is plural, but the verb is singular)

– He and I is going to the park. (incorrect – subject is plural, but the verb is singular)

– There is three cars in the driveway. (incorrect – subject is plural, but the verb is singular)

As you can see from the examples, incorrect subject-verb agreement can lead to confusion and make the text difficult to understand. To avoid making such errors, it is essential to identify the subject of the sentence and ensure that the verb agrees with it in number.

In addition to singular and plural subjects, subject-verb agreement also applies to collective nouns. Collective nouns refer to a group of people or things, but they are singular in form. Examples of collective nouns include team, group, audience, committee, and family. When using collective nouns as the subject of a sentence, the verb must be singular.

Here are some examples of correct subject-verb agreement with collective nouns:

– The team is playing well this season. (singular subject – is playing)

– The committee decides the budget for the organization. (singular subject – decides)

– My family loves to travel. (singular subject – loves)

In conclusion, subject-verb agreement is a vital rule that every writer must understand and apply correctly. Correct subject-verb agreement makes the text clear and easy to understand, while incorrect usage can lead to confusion and misinterpretation. As a professional, I always ensure that the text I edit follows this rule to enhance its readability and SEO value.