Noun Subject and Verb Agreement: A Guide for Clear and Effective Writing
One of the most important aspects of writing in English is making sure that the subjects and verbs in a sentence agree. It may sound simple, but the truth is that many writers struggle with this fundamental rule. The good news is that with a bit of practice, anyone can learn to write clear and effective sentences that make perfect sense. In this article, we’ll explore the key principles of noun subject and verb agreement and offer some tips for getting it right.
What is Subject-Verb Agreement?
Subject-verb agreement is the principle that the subject of a sentence must agree with the verb. In other words, if the subject is singular, the verb must also be singular, and if the subject is plural, the verb must also be plural. This is important because it helps readers understand the meaning of a sentence and avoid confusion.
For example, consider the following sentence:
Incorrect: The cat on the table is eat her food.
Correct: The cat on the table is eating her food.
In the incorrect example, the subject ‘cat’ is singular, but the verb ‘eat’ is plural, which creates a grammatical error. In the correct example, the verb ‘eating’ has been changed to agree with the subject, resulting in a grammatically correct sentence.
Key Principles of Subject-Verb Agreement
1. Singular subjects require singular verbs
When the subject of a sentence is singular, the verb must also be singular. This means that the verb must have an -s/-es or -ies ending.
Example: The boy runs to school every day.
2. Plural subjects require plural verbs
When the subject of a sentence is plural, the verb must also be plural. This means that the verb does not have an -s/-es or -ies ending.
Example: The boys run to school every day.
3. Compound subjects take plural verbs
When the sentence has a compound subject (two or more subjects joined by ‘and’), the verb must be plural.
Example: The cat and the dog are playing outside.
4. Singular subjects joined by ‘or’ or ‘nor’ take singular verbs
When the sentence has a singular subject joined by ‘or’ or ‘nor’, the verb must be singular.
Example: Either the cat or the dog is responsible for knocking over the vase.
5. Subjects with ‘each’ or ‘every’ take singular verbs
When the subject of a sentence includes ‘each’ or ‘every,’ the verb should be singular.
Example: Every student in the class has their own laptop.
Tips for Getting it Right
1. Always identify the subject of the sentence before choosing the verb.
2. Pay attention to words that come between the subject and the verb, as they can be misleading.
3. Watch out for subjects that are separated from the verb by prepositional phrases.
4. Remember that some nouns are always plural and require plural verbs, such as ‘scissors,’ ‘pants,’ and ‘glasses.’
Conclusion
Subject-verb agreement is a basic principle of writing in English that is critical to ensuring clear and effective communication. By following the key principles outlined above and paying close attention to the structure of your sentences, you can avoid common grammatical errors and produce writing that is easy to read and understand. So take the time to practice, and soon you’ll be on your way to mastering this essential skill!