Subject-verb agreement is a grammar rule that governs the relationship between subjects and verbs in a sentence. It is essential to ensure your writing is grammatically correct and easy to read, and subject-verb agreement is a crucial element that contributes to this.
The formula for subject-verb agreement is relatively straightforward. It states that a singular subject must have a singular verb, while a plural subject must have a plural verb. For instance, „The cat runs” is a correct sentence, while „The cat run” is incorrect because the subject is singular and the verb is plural.
Here are some tips to help you master subject-verb agreement:
1. Identify the subject: The subject of a sentence is the noun or pronoun that performs the action or is being described. To determine the subject, ask yourself who or what the sentence is about.
2. Determine the number: Once you have identified the subject, determine if it is singular or plural. Singular subjects refer to one person, place, thing, or idea, while plural subjects refer to more than one.
3. Match the verb: After you have determined the number of the subject, match the verb to the number. If the subject is singular, use a singular verb; if the subject is plural, use a plural verb.
– Singular subject with a singular verb: „The cat runs.”
– Plural subject with a plural verb: „The cats run.”
– Compound subject with a plural verb: „The cat and the dog run.”
– Singular indefinite pronoun with a singular verb: „Everyone is happy.”
– Plural indefinite pronoun with a plural verb: „They are happy.”
In conclusion, subject-verb agreement is a critical element of good writing. To ensure you get it right, remember to identify the subject, determine its number, and match the verb accordingly. By following this formula, you can create grammatically correct and easy-to-read sentences that will enhance your writing and help to improve its readability.
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