Grammar Mistakes Subject Verb Agreement

Grammar Mistakes: Subject-Verb Agreement

As a copy editor, one of the most common grammar mistakes I come across is subject-verb agreement errors. This type of error occurs when the subject and verb in a sentence do not agree in number. In other words, if the subject is singular, the verb should also be singular, and if the subject is plural, the verb should also be plural.

Subject-verb agreement is important because it helps to clarify the meaning of a sentence. When there is a disagreement between the subject and verb, the sentence can become confusing, and the intended message can be lost. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that your writing is clear and concise by avoiding subject-verb agreement errors.

Here are some common examples of subject-verb agreement errors:

1. Singular subject with plural verb:

Incorrect: The dog`s barking in the yard are annoying.

Correct: The dog`s barking in the yard is annoying.

2. Plural subject with singular verb:

Incorrect: The group of students was going to the mall.

Correct: The group of students were going to the mall.

3. Compound subjects with different numbers:

Incorrect: Peanut butter and jelly sandwich satisfies my hunger.

Correct: Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches satisfy my hunger.

4. Collective nouns:

Incorrect: The team is struggling this season.

Correct: The team are struggling this season.

5. Indefinite pronouns:

Incorrect: Everyone knows what they want.

Correct: Everyone knows what he or she wants.

These are just a few examples of subject-verb agreement errors that can occur in writing. To avoid these mistakes, it is important to pay attention to the number of the subject and make sure that the verb agrees with it.

In addition, it is important to note that subject-verb agreement can become more complex in certain cases, such as when dealing with irregular verbs or when the subject is separated from the verb by a long phrase. In such cases, it is recommended to consult a grammar guide or a style manual to ensure that your writing is correct.

In conclusion, subject-verb agreement is a fundamental aspect of good writing, and mistakes in this area can lead to confusion and a loss of credibility. Therefore, it is important for copy editors and writers alike to be vigilant in avoiding subject-verb agreement errors in their work.