Agreement in Subject and Verb: The Key to Effective Communication
One of the essential aspects of the English language is the agreement between subjects and verbs. This agreement is based on grammatical correctness and can make or break the effectiveness of a sentence or a whole piece of writing. As a professional, I am well aware of the importance of this agreement, and in this article, I will explain its significance and how to achieve it.
What is the Agreement in Subject and Verb?
The agreement in subject and verb refers to the grammatical consistency between the subject and the verb of a sentence. It means that the verb must agree with the number and the person of the subject. For instance, singular subjects must take singular verbs, while plural subjects must take plural verbs.
Example:
Singular: The cat sleeps on the sofa.
Plural: The cats sleep on the sofa.
In the above example, the verb “sleep” changes from singular to plural to agree with the singular and plural subjects “cat” and “cats,” respectively.
Why is the Agreement in Subject and Verb Important?
The agreement in subject and verb is significant for two main reasons:
1. It ensures grammatical correctness: The agreement in subject and verb makes sure that the sentence is grammatically correct and easy to understand. It helps to avoid confusion and misunderstanding.
2. It enhances clarity and readability: When the subject and verb are in agreement, the sentence flows more smoothly and is easier to read and understand. It makes the writing appear more professional and polished.
How to Achieve the Agreement in Subject and Verb?
To achieve an agreement in subject and verb, you need to follow these basic rules:
1. Identify the subject: Determine whether the subject is singular or plural. This will help you choose the correct verb form.
2. Use a singular verb with a singular subject: When the subject is singular, the verb must also be singular. Add an “s” or “es” to the base form of the verb to form the singular verb.
Example:
Incorrect: The dog runs fast.
Correct: The dog runs fast.
3. Use a plural verb with a plural subject: When the subject is plural, the verb must be plural. Drop the “s” or “es” from the base form of the verb.
Example:
Incorrect: The children likes to play.
Correct: The children like to play.
4. Pay attention to the verb with compound subjects: When two or more subjects are joined by “and,” use a plural verb.
Example:
Incorrect: My sister and my brother walks to school.
Correct: My sister and my brother walk to school.
In conclusion, the agreement in subject and verb is crucial for correct and effective communication. It improves the clarity and readability of writing and makes it appear more professional. As a professional, I always pay attention to this grammatical aspect and work to ensure it is correct in every piece of content I edit.