Subject-Verb Agreement: Understanding the Key Mismatch in 'Grandma and Friends Listen'
When constructing sentences in English, one of the most critical aspects to focus on is subject-verb agreement. This rule ensures that the subject and verb in a sentence are in harmony in terms of number (singular or plural). In the sentence 'Grandma and friends listen to Grandpa Jins stories,' the correct verb is 'listen.' Let's delve into the intricacies of subject-verb agreement and explore why 'listen' is the correct choice in this scenario.
Basic Rules of Subject-Verb Agreement
According to the basic rules of subject-verb agreement, the verb must agree with the subject in number. However, there are some exceptions that can make these rules more nuanced. Here are some key points to remember:
Singular Subject Singular Verb: For example, 'Grandma listens.' Plural Subject Plural Verb: For example, 'Grandma and her friends listen.'The Mismatch in 'Grandma and Friends Listen'
The sentence 'Grandma and friends listen to Grandpa Jims stories' presents a classic example of a confusing subject. Let's break it down to understand why 'listen' is the correct form to use.
Subject and Friends Listen -- Plural Subject, Plural Verb
The key factor here is the inclusion of the word 'and' in the subject. When two nouns are joined by 'and,' they form a plural subject. In this case, 'Grandma and friends' denotes more than one person, which is a plural subject. Therefore, the verb must be in its plural form to maintain proper subject-verb agreement.
Examples of Proper Subject-Verb Agreement with 'Grandma and Friends'
Here are some examples to illustrate the correct usage of subject-verb agreement with 'Grandma and friends':
Past Tense: 'Grandma and her friends listened to Grandpa Jims stories.' Present Continuous: 'Grandma and her friends are listening to Grandpa Jims stories.' Present Perfect: 'Grandma and her friends have listened to Grandpa Jims stories.'Common Mistakes in Subject-Verb Agreement
Even though the rules are clear, many common mistakes can arise in subject-verb agreement. Here are a few examples to highlight the confusion:
Incorrect Example: 'Grandma with her friends listen to Grandpa Jims stories.' (Incorrect plural form of 'listen') Incorrect Example: 'A roomful of Grandma’s friends listen to Grandpa Jims stories.' (Incorrect plural form of 'listen') Incorrect Example: 'Five of Grandma’s friends listen to Grandpa Jims stories.' (Incorrect plural form of 'listen')These examples demonstrate why 'listen' is the correct plural form, as the subject 'Grandma and friends' is plural.
Additional Considerations
It's worth noting that 'Grandma' is a singular noun, but it is accompanied by the plural noun 'friends.' In English, when a singular noun is joined by 'and' with one or more plural nouns, the resulting subject is always plural, requiring a plural verb.
If you were to change the sentence to a pronoun, you would use 'they', as 'they listens' would be grammatically incorrect. For example:
'They listen to Grandpa Jims stories.'Conclusion
Subject-verb agreement is a fundamental aspect of English grammar that can sometimes seem complicated. However, by understanding the basic rules and recognizing the importance of plural nouns joined by 'and,' you can consistently construct grammatically correct sentences. Remember, the key is to ensure that the subject and verb agree in number to maintain clarity and accuracy in your writing.
Recommended Further Reading
To further explore the nuances of subject-verb agreement, consider reading articles on:
Common Errors in Verb Tense and Agreement Subject-Verb Agreement in Complex Sentences Subject-Verb Agreement with Collective Nouns