Subject and Verb Agreement Questions and Answers
Subject and verb agreement is an essential aspect of proper grammar. This concept refers to ensuring that the subject and verb in a sentence align in both singular or plural form. When subject and verb agreement is not maintained, it can result in confusion, ambiguity and incorrect sentence structure.
Here are some commonly asked questions and answers that will help you understand subject and verb agreement better.
Q1. What is subject-verb agreement?
A1. Subject-verb agreement is a grammatical rule that states that the subject of a sentence must agree in number with the verb, i.e., singular subjects take singular verbs, and plural subjects take plural verbs.
Q2. What is the most common subject-verb agreement error?
A2. The most common subject-verb agreement error is when the verb and subject do not agree in number. For example, if the subject is plural but the verb is singular or vice versa, it is an error.
Q3. What should I do when the subject and verb disagree in number?
A3. You should always make sure the subject and verb agree in number. For instance, if the subject is plural, the verb must also be plural.
Q4. Should I use “or” or “nor” in a sentence?
A4. When using “or” or “nor” in a sentence, the subject closest to the verb determines the verb form. So, if one of the subjects is singular and the other is plural, the verb must agree with the closest subject to it.
Q5. Can I use “they” as a singular pronoun in subject-verb agreement?
A5. Yes, it is now acceptable to use “they” as a singular pronoun in subject-verb agreement. This is to avoid using gender-specific pronouns like “he” or “she” and is becoming more commonplace in modern writing.
Q6. What are some examples of subject-verb agreement errors?
A6. Some examples of subject-verb agreement errors include sentences like “The group of students were running” when it should be “The group of students was running,” or “The dogs runs in the park” when it should be “The dogs run in the park.”
In conclusion, subject-verb agreement is crucial to creating clear and concise sentences. By following these rules, you can ensure that your writing is grammatically correct and easy to understand. Remember to double-check the agreement between the subject and verb in your sentences to avoid errors that can confuse readers.
