As a copy editor, one of the most common grammar mistakes I come across is incorrect verb and subject agreement. This error occurs when the verb and subject in a sentence do not agree with each other regarding their number. For example, using a singular verb with a plural subject or vice versa. Fortunately, there are exercises that we can practice to help us improve our verb and subject agreement skills. In this article, we will discuss some of the most effective exercises to help you master this fundamental grammar rule.
1. Identifying Subject-Verb Agreement
The first step to improving subject-verb agreement is understanding the basic concept. The subject in a sentence is the person, place, thing, or idea that the sentence is about, while the verb is the action or state of being that the subject is performing. The verb must agree with the subject in both number and tense. For example, if the subject is singular, the verb must also be singular, and if the subject is plural, the verb must also be plural.
To practice identifying subject-verb agreement, create a list of sentences with various subjects and verbs. Then, identify the subject and verb in each sentence and determine if they agree in number and tense. For example:
– The dog barks loudly at strangers.
– Tom and Jerry run through the park every morning.
– The book on the shelf looks interesting.
– The girls sings beautifully in the choir.
In the first sentence, the subject «dog» is singular, and the verb «barks» is also singular, so they agree. In the second sentence, the subject «Tom and Jerry» is plural, and the verb «run» is also plural, so they agree. However, in the third sentence, the subject «book» is singular, but the verb «looks» is singular, so they agree. In the fourth sentence, the subject «girls» is plural, but the verb «sings» is singular, so they do not agree.
2. Identifying Compound Subjects and Verbs
Compound subjects and verbs are two or more subjects or verbs in a sentence that are joined by a coordinating conjunction such as «and» or «or.» When dealing with compound subjects or verbs, it is essential to ensure that each part of the compound agrees with the other in number and tense.
To practice identifying compound subjects and verbs, create a list of sentences with compound subjects or verbs. Then, identify each subject or verb and determine if they agree with each other. For example:
– The cat and the dog chase each other in the backyard.
– Either the boy or the girl is responsible for the mess.
– Swimming and biking are my favorite sports.
– The teacher and the students discuss the book every week.
In the first sentence, the compound subject «cat and dog» is plural, and the verb «chase» is also plural, so they agree. In the second sentence, the verb «is» agrees with the singular subject «boy,» and «girl» is not involved in the agreement. In the third sentence, the compound verbs «swimming and biking» are plural, and the subject «my favorite sports» is also plural, so they agree. In the fourth sentence, the compound subject «teacher and students» is plural, and the verb «discuss» is also plural, so they agree.
3. Identifying Indefinite Pronouns
Indefinite pronouns are pronouns that refer to a non-specific person, thing, or amount, such as «someone,» «anything,» or «each.» When using indefinite pronouns, it can be challenging to determine whether to use a singular or plural verb.
To practice identifying indefinite pronouns, create a list of sentences that contain indefinite pronouns. Then, identify the verb and determine if it agrees with the pronoun in number. For example:
– Each of the students has their own locker.
– Somebody left their phone on the table.
– Several of the books are missing from the library.
– Anyone who wants to participate should sign up.
In the first sentence, the pronoun «each» is singular, so the verb «has» agrees in number. In the second sentence, the pronoun «somebody» is singular, but the verb «left» agrees with the plural pronoun «their,» so they do not agree. The correct way is to use «he» or «she» instead of «their.» In the third sentence, the pronoun «several» is plural, so the verb «are» agrees in number. In the fourth sentence, the pronoun «anyone» is singular, so the verb «wants» agrees in number.
In conclusion, mastering verb and subject agreement is critical to creating clear and effective writing. By practicing these exercises, you can develop your skills and avoid common mistakes. Remember to identify the subject and verb in each sentence and determine if they agree in number and tense. With practice, you`ll be an expert in no time!