Subject-verb agreement is a fundamental rule in grammar that dictates the proper use of verbs when forming a sentence. As a professional, it is important to understand the significance of this rule and avoid common mistakes that can impact the overall quality of the content. Here are the three rules to remember when it comes to subject-verb agreement.
1. Match the Number of the Subject and Verb
The most basic rule in subject-verb agreement is to ensure that the number of the subject matches the number of the verb. For example, if the subject is singular, the verb should also be singular. Similarly, if the subject is plural, the verb should be plural as well. This means that you need to be careful when using words like `each,` `every,` and `none,` which require singular verbs, as opposed to `many,` `a few,` and `some,` which require plural verbs.
Example:
Correct: The cat is sleeping on the couch.
Incorrect: The cat are sleeping on the couch.
2. Watch Out for Nouns that End in ‘s’
Another common mistake in subject-verb agreement is with nouns that end in `s.` When a noun ends in `s,` it can be tricky to determine whether the noun is singular or plural. In this case, you need to look at the context of the sentence to determine whether the noun is singular or plural.
Example:
Correct: The boss’s car is parked outside.
Incorrect: The boss’ car is parked outside.
3. Be Careful with Compound Subjects
A compound subject is a sentence that has two or more subjects that share the same verb. In this case, you need to ensure that the verb agrees with the subjects in terms of number and person. If the subjects are plural, the verb should be plural as well. Moreover, if the subjects are different in person, the verb should agree with the higher person.
Example:
Correct: Tom and Jerry are playing soccer.
Incorrect: Tom and Jerry is playing soccer.
In conclusion, subject-verb agreement is an essential rule in grammar that plays a crucial role in creating effective and high-quality content. As a professional, you need to ensure that your writing adheres to these rules to ensure that your content is clear, concise, and easy to read and understand. By following these three simple rules, you can avoid common mistakes and take your writing to the next level.