Subject-verb agreement is an essential component of writing that many people tend to overlook. When you don`t pay attention to the agreement between subject and verb, your sentences can become confusing and difficult to read. Correct subject-verb agreement eliminates possible misinterpretations and ensures that your writing is clear and professional. In this article, we will discuss the proper use of subject-verb agreement to help you improve your writing skills.

What is Subject-Verb Agreement?

Subject-verb agreement refers to the concord between the subject of a sentence and the verb used to describe the action or state of being. The subject is the person, place, thing, or idea that the sentence is about, while the verb is the action or state of being that the subject is doing or being. A verb must agree with the subject in number and person.

For instance, consider the following sentence: „John plays the guitar.“ The subject of the sentence is John, which is a singular noun. Since the subject is singular, the verb „plays“ agrees in number and person with it. If the subject were plural, then the verb should be plural as well, as in „John and his friends play the guitar.“

Common Mistakes in Subject-Verb Agreement

One of the most common mistakes when it comes to subject-verb agreement is the use of indefinite pronouns. Indefinite pronouns such as everyone, someone, anyone, nobody, and many others are treated as singular in English. For instance, „Everyone wants to be successful in life.“ Though everyone refers to multiple people, it`s treated as a singular subject, and thus requires a singular verb, in this case, „wants.“

Another common mistake is when the subject is joined by the conjunction „and.“ When two or more subjects are connected by „and,“ they form a plural subject, and thus the verb should be plural as well. For example, „My brother and I are going to the beach.“

Additionally, the use of relative pronouns such as who, which, and that can sometimes cause agreement problems. The relative pronoun agrees with the noun it refers to in number and person. For example, „The man who stole the car was caught by the police.“ The verb „was caught“ agrees with „the man,“ who is a singular noun.

Conclusion

In conclusion, subject-verb agreement is a crucial component of writing that cannot be ignored. Proper use of this rule improves the clarity and readability of your writing. By paying close attention to subjects and verbs, you can avoid common mistakes that can confuse your readers. Remember, a singular subject requires a singular verb, and a plural subject requires a plural verb. By following this rule, you can improve your English writing skills and communicate more effectively.