As a writer, it’s essential to ensure that your sentences have proper subject-verb agreement. Subject-verb agreement is the rule that states that the subject and verb in a sentence must agree in number. In other words, a singular subject requires a singular verb, and a plural subject requires a plural verb. Let me help you to better understand what subject-verb agreement is and how to correct subject-verb disagreement with examples in an instructional tone.

What is subject-verb agreement?

Subject-verb agreement refers to the relationship between the subject and verb in a sentence. A singular subject requires a singular verb, and a plural subject requires a plural verb. For example, “He runs” is correct because “he” is a singular subject, and “runs” is a singular verb. “They run” is also correct because “they” is a plural subject, and “run” is a plural verb.

Subject-verb disagreement occurs when the subject and verb do not agree in number. For example, “He run” is incorrect because “he” is a singular subject, and “run” is a plural verb.

How to correct subject-verb disagreement

To correct subject-verb disagreement, you need to identify the subject and the verb in the sentence and make sure they agree in number. Here are some examples of how to correct subject-verb disagreement:

Example 1: The group of students are going to the museum. Correction: The group of students is going to the museum.

Explanation: “Group” is a singular subject, so it requires a singular verb. “Are” is a plural verb, so it should be changed to “is.”

Example 2: The dog and the cat is sleeping. Correction: The dog and the cat are sleeping.

Explanation: “Dog” and “cat” are two separate subjects, so they require a plural verb. “Is” is a singular verb, so it should be changed to “are.”

Example 3: Each of the girls are wearing a dress. Correction: Each of the girls is wearing a dress.

Explanation: “Each” is a singular subject, so it requires a singular verb. “Are” is a plural verb, so it should be changed to “is.”

Example 4: My friend and mentor, who are both writers, write for different publications. Correction: My friend and mentor, who are both writers, writes for different publications.

Explanation: The subject of the sentence is “my friend and mentor,” which is a singular subject. Therefore, the verb should be singular, “writes.” The phrase “who are both writers” is a nonessential clause that doesn’t affect subject-verb agreement.

Conclusion

Subject-verb agreement is an essential grammatical rule that writers should keep in mind. A singular subject requires a singular verb, and a plural subject requires a plural verb. Correcting subject-verb disagreement involves identifying the subject and verb in a sentence and ensuring they agree in number. By following these rules and using examples like the ones provided, you can improve the clarity and accuracy of your writing.