Proper grammar forms the backbone of clear and effective communication in English. To speak and write English accurately, you must grasp the rules of subject verb concord, also known as subject verb agreement. This article delves into what is subject verb concord?, its rules, common errors to avoid, and practical tips for improvement.
What is Subject Verb Agreement?
Subject verb concord, or subject verb agreement, signifies how words in a sentence align in terms of number and person. In simpler terms, it ensures that the subject and verb in a sentence match each other.
Singular vs. Plural Subjects and Verbs
English uses both singular and plural forms for subjects and verbs. It’s essential to understand the distinction.
- Singular subjects pertain to individual things or people. Examples include “He,” “She,” and “It.”
- Plural subjects refer to multiple things or people. Examples encompass “They” and “We.”
Singular verbs are marked by an -s, such as “goes,” whereas plural verbs lack this -s, as seen in “go.”
Subject Verb Agreement Rules
Here are the fundamental rules for subject verb agreement:
- Singular subjects require singular verbs.
- Example: “He goes to school.”
- Plural subjects necessitate plural verbs.
- Example: “They go to school.”
It’s imperative to ensure that the number and person of the subject and verb harmonize correctly to construct grammatically sound sentences.
More Examples to Illustrate the Rules:
- Singular subject and singular verb:
- “She sings beautifully.”
- Plural subject and plural verb:
- “They sing harmoniously.”
- Singular subject and plural verb (incorrect):
- “He sing harmoniously.” (Corrected: “He sings harmoniously.”)
- Singular subject “I” and singular verb:
- “I am a student.”
- Plural subject “We” and plural verb:
- “We are friends.”
- Singular subject “It” and singular verb:
- “It is raining.”
- Plural subject “They” and plural verb:
- “They are playing.”
Special Cases in Subject Verb Agreement
Exceptions and special cases sometimes emerge in subject verb agreement. Here are a few examples:
- Collective Nouns: Collective nouns, such as “team” or “family,” represent groups. They may take a singular or plural verb, depending on the context.
- Example (Singular): “The team is practicing.”
- Example (Plural): “The family are all going on vacation.”
- Indefinite Pronouns: Words like “everyone,” “anybody,” and “nobody” are singular and take singular verbs.
- Example: “Everybody is here.”
Notional Agreement vs. Grammatical Form Agreement
In some cases, the agreement hinges on meaning or concept, not just grammatical form. This is known as notional agreement. For instance, consider the sentence, “The jury was divided in their opinions.” Although “jury” is singular in form, it refers to a group, so the verb aligns with the concept of plurality.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
English learners often make mistakes in subject verb agreement. Here are a few common errors and their corrections:
- Incorrect: “The team are playing well.”
- Corrected: “The team is playing well.”
- Incorrect: “Everybody have their books.”
- Corrected: “Everybody has their books.”
Tips for Improving Your Subject Verb Concord Skills
To enhance your subject verb agreement skills:
- Practice composing sentences with various subjects and verbs.
- Regularly review grammar rules.
- Seek feedback from teachers or language partners.
- Utilize grammar-checking tools to spot errors.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, subject verb concord is an essential facet of English grammar. Mastery of this skill will enable you to communicate clearly and effectively. With practice and a firm grasp of the rules, you can confidently employ subject verb agreement in your everyday conversations and writing.
