If you`re a writer, it`s essential to master subject-verb agreement. The role of subject-verb agreement is to ensure that the subject and the verb in a sentence are grammatically consistent. When a subject is introduced in a sentence, the verb that follows it should always be in agreement with it. This means that if the subject is singular, the verb should also be singular, and if the subject is plural, the verb should also be plural.
To become proficient in subject-verb agreement, it`s crucial to practice. Here are some exercises to help you perfect your s-v agreement skills:
1. Identify the subject and the verb
The first step to master s-v agreement is to identify the subject and the verb in a sentence. Take your time to read the sentence and look for the subject and the verb. Once you`ve identified them, determine if they`re in agreement. For instance:
a) The cat eats tuna fish. (singular subject, singular verb)
b) The cats eat tuna fish. (plural subject, plural verb)
2. Is the subject singular or plural?
The next step is to identify whether the subject in the sentence is singular or plural and ensure that the verb agrees with it:
a) The dog barks at the mailman. (singular subject, singular verb)
b) The dogs bark at the mailman. (plural subject, plural verb)
3. Check when there is an intervening phrase
Sometimes a sentence can have an intervening phrase that can confuse you, but you must ensure that the verb agrees with the subject:
a) The song that the choir sings is beautiful. (singular subject, singular verb)
b) The songs that the choir sings are beautiful. (plural subject, plural verb)
4. Determine the tricky singular subjects
Some singular subjects can be tricky because they sound plural, so you must be careful to choose the correct verb:
a) Peter or his brothers are going to the movies. (plural sounding subject but singular, so singular verb)
b) Neither the teacher nor the students are in class today. (plural sounding subject but singular, so singular verb)
In conclusion, mastering subject-verb agreement is essential for any writer, and it can be achieved through continuous practice. Ensure you identify the subject and the verb, check if the subject is singular or plural, and watch out for tricky singular subjects. By practicing these exercises, you`ll be on your way to writing grammatically correct sentences that are both clear and effective.