Agreement of the principle: A guide to understanding the importance of subject-verb agreement in writing
As a writer, it is crucial to ensure that your sentences are grammatically correct and make sense. One of the essential elements of proper writing is subject-verb agreement, also known as agreement of the principle. This principle dictates that the subject and verb in a sentence must agree in number.
What is subject-verb agreement?
Subject-verb agreement is the grammatical rule that regulates the relationship between the subject and verb in a sentence. The subject is the noun or pronoun that performs the action, while the verb is the action itself. The verb must agree with the subject in number, whether it is singular or plural.
Why is subject-verb agreement important?
Subject-verb agreement is critical to ensure that your writing is clear and concise. An incorrect agreement can lead to confusion or ambiguity, making it difficult for the reader to understand your message. Additionally, poor subject-verb agreement can make your writing appear unprofessional and can damage your credibility.
How to achieve proper subject-verb agreement
To achieve proper subject-verb agreement, it is essential to identify the subject of the sentence and determine if it is singular or plural. Once you have established the subject`s number, you can then choose the corresponding verb.
Singular subjects require singular verbs, while plural subjects require plural verbs. For example, `The dog barks` is grammatically correct because `dog` is a singular subject and `barks` is a singular verb. On the other hand, `The dogs bark` is grammatically correct because `dogs` is a plural subject, and `bark` is a plural verb.
Another consideration when it comes to subject-verb agreement is the use of compound subjects. In this case, the verb must agree with the number of the subject closest to the verb. For example, `John and Mary are going to the party` is correct because `Mary` is a singular subject, while `John` is a plural subject. The verb `are` agrees with the plural subject `John`.
Conclusion
In conclusion, subject-verb agreement is a vital aspect of proper writing. To ensure that your writing is clear and concise, it is crucial to identify the subject of the sentence and choose the appropriate verb that agrees with it in number. By following these guidelines, you can achieve proper subject-verb agreement and produce high-quality writing that is both effective and professional.