Use Correct Subject Verb Agreement: A Guide to Effective Writing
Subject verb agreement is a crucial aspect of writing. It refers to the relationship between the subject and the verb in a sentence. The verb in a sentence should agree with its subject in number and person. When the subject and verb are not in agreement, it can lead to confusion and make the writing look unprofessional. In this article, we will discuss the importance of subject-verb agreement and how to ensure that your writing is correct.
Why Is Subject Verb Agreement Important?
Subject verb agreement is essential because it helps to establish clear communication between the writer and the reader. When the subject and verb are not in agreement, the sentence can be difficult to understand. For example, “The team of players are playing on the field” is incorrect because the subject “team” is singular, but the verb “are playing” is plural. A corrected sentence for this would be “The team of players is playing on the field.”
Additionally, using correct subject verb agreement showcases your proficiency as a writer, demonstrating your command of the language. This helps in building confidence and credibility with the reader, who will be more likely to trust your writing if they feel that you are knowledgeable and proficient.
How to Ensure Correct Subject Verb Agreement in Writing?
Here are some tips to ensure correct subject verb agreement in your writing:
1. Identify the subject and verb in the sentence: Before you start writing, identify the subject and verb in the sentence. The subject is usually the noun or pronoun that the sentence is about, and the verb is the action that the subject is doing.
2. Ensure that the subject and verb agree in number: If the subject is singular, the verb should be singular, and if the subject is plural, the verb should be plural. For example, “The dog barks loudly” is correct because the subject “dog” is singular and the verb “barks” is also singular.
3. Watch out for tricky subjects: Some subjects can be tricky, such as collective nouns, indefinite pronouns, and compound subjects. For example, “The team of players is playing on the field” is correct because even though “team” is a collective noun, it is treated as a singular noun.
4. Use the correct verb tense: The verb`s tense should match the subject`s tense. For example, “Mary went to the store” is correct because the subject, “Mary,” is in the past tense, and the verb “went” is also in the past tense.
Conclusion
Subject verb agreement is an essential element of effective writing. Using correct subject verb agreement ensures that your writing is clear and professional, helping to establish your credibility as a writer. By following the tips listed above, you can ensure that your writing is grammatically correct and free of errors. Take the time to check and double-check your subject and verb agreement, and you`ll be well on your way to improving your writing skills.