Correct subject-verb agreement is a fundamental rule in English grammar that ensures sentences are clear and easy to understand. It is crucial for writers to understand the basics of subject-verb agreement to avoid confusion and communicate effectively. In this article, we will look at examples of sentences and determine which one has the correct subject-verb agreement.
Subject-verb agreement means that the subject of the sentence must agree with the verb in number (singular or plural). For instance, if the subject is singular, the verb should be singular, and if the subject is plural, the verb should be plural.
Let`s consider two examples:
1. The dog barks every morning.
2. The dog bark every morning.
In the first example, the subject “dog” is singular, and the verb “barks” is also singular. Hence, this sentence has the correct subject-verb agreement.
However, in the second example, the subject “dog” is singular, but the verb “bark” is plural. This sentence has incorrect subject-verb agreement.
Subject-verb agreement errors can be challenging to detect, particularly if you have a complicated sentence. The trick is to identify the subject and the verb in the sentence, determine their relationship, and ensure they agree with each other.
Here is another example:
1. The girls in the class is reading their books.
2. The girls in the class are reading their books.
In this example, the subject “girls” is plural, and the verb “are” is also plural. Thus, the second sentence has the correct subject-verb agreement.
In the first sentence, the verb “is” is singular, which does not match the plural subject “girls.” Therefore, this sentence has incorrect subject-verb agreement.
In conclusion, understanding subject-verb agreement is vital in effective communication. As a writer, you should ensure that your sentences have proper subject-verb agreement to avoid confusion and grammatical errors. Remember to identify your subject and verb and make sure they match each other in number.