How to Identify Subject-Verb Agreement Errors in Sentences
Quick Answer
Subject-verb agreement means the subject and verb in a sentence must match in number. Plural subjects need plural verbs, and singular subjects need singular verbs. Let's explore common errors and how to fix them.
Understanding subject-verb agreement is essential for constructing clear and grammatically correct sentences. Subject-verb agreement means that the subject of a sentence and its verb must agree in number; that is, both must be singular or both must be plural. This is a fundamental rule in English grammar that helps convey meaning and clarity in writing.
Let's analyze some examples to clarify this concept:
1. **Incorrect:** 'The sidewalks in the courtyards has been decorated with chalk.'
- In this sentence, 'sidewalks' is a plural noun, while 'has' is a singular verb. The correct verb form should be 'have' to match the plural subject: 'The sidewalks in the courtyards **have** been decorated with chalk.'
2. **Incorrect:** 'The cars in the parking lot belongs to the teachers.'
- Here, 'cars' is plural, and 'belongs' is singular. To fix this, change 'belongs' to 'belong': 'The cars in the parking lot **belong** to the teachers.'
3. **Incorrect:** 'The surface of the parking lots were redone this summer.'
- In this case, 'surface' is a singular noun, but 'were' is plural. The correct verb should be 'was' to match the singular subject: 'The surface of the parking lots **was** redone this summer.'
4. **Correct:** 'The bike on the bike rack is blue.'
- This sentence is correct because both 'bike' (singular) and 'is' (singular) agree in number.
When creating sentences, always ensure that your subject and verb agree in number. This not only improves the clarity of your writing but also enhances your credibility as a writer.
In real-world applications, such as academic writing, business communication, or any formal writing, maintaining proper subject-verb agreement is crucial. It helps your audience understand your message clearly and correctly.
To practice, try writing your own sentences and check for subject-verb agreement. You can also look for errors in your essays or assignments to improve your grammar skills. Remember, the more you practice, the better you'll get at spotting and correcting these common mistakes!
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