Understanding Subject-Verb Agreement: Beneficial Practices for Effective Writing

Understanding the concept of subject-verb agreement can significantly enhance the quality and readability of your writing. Whether you are a professional writer, a student, or simply someone who communicates effectively, mastering this grammatical rule can make a substantial difference. In this article, we will explore the importance of subject-verb agreement, provide examples, and discuss common misconceptions about the rule.

The Basics of Subject-Verb Agreement

Subject-verb agreement refers to the relationship between the subject and the verb in a sentence. The subject typically comes before the verb, and it must agree in number with the verb. A singular subject requires a singular verb, while a plural subject requires a plural verb. For example:

My cousins love going to the beach. She studies every day. The team plays well.

Conversely, if the subject is plural, the verb must also be plural:

The cars are in the garage. Cows give milk. These books are interesting.

Let's look at what happens when the subject-verb agreement is incorrect:

We washes cars. This sentence is incorrect because the subject "we" is plural, but the verb "washes" is singular. My shoe hurts. Here, the subject "shoe" is singular, and the verb "hurts" is also singular, which is correct.

Subject-Verb Agreements Involving Nouns Ending in "s"

The rule for subject-verb agreement can be a bit tricky when dealing with nouns that end in "s." In general, if a noun ends in "s" and is a singular proper noun, it still requires a singular verb. However, if it's a plural noun or a collective noun, it needs a plural verb. For instance:

The bus arrives at the station early. The buses arrive at the station early. The team are achieving great results. (This is incorrect; the correct form would be The team is achieving great results.)

Prepositional Phrases and Subject-Verb Agreement

One common misconception about subject-verb agreement is that you should place the subject outside any prepositional phrase. For example:

A group of children are singing in tonight's show. (This sentence is incorrect; it should be A group of children is singing in tonight's show.) The directors of the company are discussing the budget. (Here, the subject is "directors" and the verb is "are discussing," which is correct.)

However, the New Yorker magazine and the New York Times have chosen to relax this rule and allow for flexibility. Professional editors often consider the flow and clarity of the sentence over rigid adherence to traditional grammar rules. While it can be beneficial to follow these rules to ensure clarity and correctness, the main goal of writing is to communicate effectively.

Personal Reflections on Grammar Rules

As a grammar stickler, I can concede that even the most meticulous writers like myself can make mistakes. Several years ago, I even removed a rule about subject-verb agreement from a grammar handout I used with my students. In the morning, while working on an essay, I found two mistakes that I had previously made!

This experience underscores the importance of being vigilant and consistent in applying grammar rules. However, it also highlights the human aspect of writing and the need for flexibility. While it's crucial to adhere to proper grammar to ensure your message is clear, sometimes a slight deviation from strict rules can enhance readability and make your writing more natural.

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding and adhering to the rules of subject-verb agreement can greatly improve the quality and clarity of your writing. While some writers may choose to be more relaxed about certain rules, the general principle of subject-verb agreement remains essential for effective communication. By mastering this rule, you can ensure that your writing is more engaging, professional, and understandable to your audience. So, the next time you pick up a pen or sit down at your computer, remember the importance of subject-verb agreement in crafting clear and precise sentences.