Identifying Subject and Verb Agreement: Four Tips with Examples

Subject-verb agreement mistakes are a common grammar error we often encounter in writing. Lapses in correspondence can result in confusing or awkward sentences, which can diminish the quality of the content. As a professional, here are four tips to help you identify and correct subject-verb agreement in your writing.

1. Don`t be misled by prepositional phrases or clauses.

Sometimes a complex sentence structure can make it difficult to identify the correct subject and verb agreement. Prepositional phrases and clauses can create distance between the subject and verb, making it easy to forget to match them. In the following example, the subject-verb agreement is incorrect:

“The group of workers in the factory were working overtime.”

The correct subject-verb agreement should be:

“The group of workers in the factory was working overtime.”

2. Make sure the subject and verb agree in number.

Subject-verb agreement in number means that the subject and verb should agree with each other in terms of being singular or plural. For instance:

“Every day, the cat and the dog chases each other around the room.”

The correct subject-verb agreement should be:

“Every day, the cat and the dog chase each other around the room.”

3. Watch out for expressions that refer to a collective noun.

A collective noun refers to a group of people, animals, or things. Examples of collective nouns include team, family, class, herd, and audience. In such cases, the subject is often treated as a single unit, thus requiring a singular verb. For example:

“The jury are still deliberating on the case.”

The correct subject-verb agreement should be:

“The jury is still deliberating on the case.”

4. Pay attention to indefinite pronouns.

Indefinite pronouns refer to people or things in a general sense, without specifically naming them. Examples of indefinite pronouns include everyone, nobody, someone, and anybody. When used as a subject, they typically require a singular verb. For example:

“Everyone in the room have their own opinions.”

The correct subject-verb agreement should be:

“Everyone in the room has their own opinions.”

In conclusion, subject-verb agreement is an essential aspect of good writing. As a copy editor, it is crucial to identify and correct errors in subject-verb agreement to produce high-quality content. By following these four tips and practicing consistency in your writing, you can improve your grammar skills and create effective and professional writing.