No Subject-Verb Agreement: What It Is and How to Avoid It
In English grammar, proper subject-verb agreement is essential in constructing accurate and clear sentences. One of the most common mistakes people make when writing or speaking is neglecting subject-verb agreement, or matching the wrong verb tense with the subject of a sentence. This error can lead to confusion and ambiguity, diminishing the quality of writing and even causing misinterpretation.
What is Subject-Verb Agreement?
Subject-verb agreement is the correspondence between the subject and the verb in a sentence. The subject is the person, animal, place, or thing that performs an action, whereas the verb is the action that the subject performs. To ensure proper subject-verb agreement, the verb must agree with the subject in terms of tense, number, and person.
For instance, the sentence « The dog barks » is an example of proper subject-verb agreement because the singular subject « dog » matches the singular verb « barks. » However, if the sentence were written as « The dog bark, » it would be a mistake because the verb « bark » does not match the singular subject « dog. » This mistake is referred to as « no subject-verb agreement. »
Why is Subject-Verb Agreement Important?
Subject-verb agreement is crucial because it helps convey the meaning of a sentence accurately and clearly. If a writer or speaker fails to match the subject and verb correctly, it can create confusion and misinterpretation among the audience. It can also harm the credibility of the writer or speaker and make their work appear unprofessional.
Additionally, subject-verb agreement is essential in maintaining the flow and coherence of a sentence, making it easier for readers to comprehend the message. It is especially important in academic writing, where precision and clarity are critical, and any ambiguity or error can negatively affect grades and scholarly reputation.
How to Avoid No Subject-Verb Agreement?
To avoid the mistake of no subject-verb agreement, writers and speakers can follow some simple guidelines. Here are some tips:
1. Identify the subject of the sentence and its tense, number, and person.
2. Choose the appropriate verb that matches the subject in tense, number, and person.
3. Be careful with compound subjects, which refer to two or more subjects joined by « and. » In this case, the verb should be plural, as in « The dog and the cat play with each other. »
4. Beware of intervening phrases or clauses that may confuse the subject-verb agreement, such as prepositional phrases. For example, « The book on the shelf is mine » is correct because the subject « book » matches the singular verb « is, » even though there is a prepositional phrase « on the shelf » in between.
5. Double-check your work after writing to ensure there are no subject-verb agreement errors. Use online grammar checkers or ask someone else to proofread your work.
Conclusion
No subject-verb agreement is a common mistake in writing and speaking that can lead to ambiguity and confusion. It is essential to match the subject and verb correctly to convey the message accurately and clearly. By following the above guidelines and tips, writers and speakers can avoid this error and improve their communication skills.