Subject-verb number agreement is a crucial aspect of writing that cannot be ignored or taken lightly. The rule states that a singular subject requires a singular verb, while a plural subject requires a plural verb. This rule holds true regardless of the complexity of the sentence or the number of words it contains.
A common mistake that writers make when it comes to subject-verb number agreement is when the subject and verb do not agree in number. For example, the sentence, “The group of students was studying hard” should be changed to “The group of students were studying hard.” The word “group” is singular, but “students” is plural, so the verb “were” should agree with the plural noun “students” rather than the singular noun “group.”
Another common mistake is when the subject is a collective noun. Collective nouns refer to a group of individuals or things, but they are singular in form. Examples include team, committee, family, and staff. When using a collective noun as the subject, it is important to remember that it should be treated as a singular noun. For example, the sentence “The family are going on vacation” should be changed to “The family is going on vacation.”
It is also important to keep an eye out for indefinite pronouns, which refer to a person or thing that is not specifically named. Indefinite pronouns are typically singular and include words such as anyone, everyone, someone, and no one. When using an indefinite pronoun as the subject, you should always use a singular verb. For example, “Everyone is here” is correct, while “Everyone are here” is incorrect.
Finally, it is important to be mindful of subject-verb agreement when using compound subjects, which are two or more subjects joined by a conjunction such as “and.” When the subjects are joined by “and,” they are typically plural, and the verb should be plural as well. For example, “John and Jane are taking a trip” is correct, while “John and Jane is taking a trip” is incorrect.
In conclusion, subject-verb number agreement is an essential aspect of writing that should not be overlooked. By understanding and applying the rules, you can ensure that your writing is grammatically correct and effective in conveying your message. Remember to pay attention to collective nouns, indefinite pronouns, and compound subjects to avoid making common mistakes.
