As a copy editor, it is crucial to ensure that the subject and verb in a sentence agree in number. This rule might seem elementary, but sometimes it can be difficult to identify the subject in a sentence, leading to errors in subject-verb agreement.
Here are some tips to help you master subject-verb agreement and avoid common mistakes.
1. Identify the Subject
The subject is the noun, pronoun, or set of words that performs the action or is being described in a sentence. It is essential to identify the subject before selecting the verb to agree with it.
For instance, in the sentence, “The dog barks at the postman,” the subject is “the dog,” and the verb is “barks.”
2. Watch Out for Tricky Singular and Plural Nouns
Singular nouns take singular verbs, while plural nouns take plural verbs. However, some nouns can be tricky to identify as singular or plural.
For example, some collective nouns, such as “team,” “family,” or “group,” can be either singular or plural, depending on the context. In most cases, such nouns take singular verbs when the emphasis is on the group as a whole and plural verbs when the emphasis is on the individuals in the group.
For instance, “The team is preparing for the tournament” (singular verb) vs. “The team are discussing their individual strategies” (plural verb).
3. Pay Attention to Indefinite Pronouns
Indefinite pronouns, such as “everyone,” “nobody,” “someone,” or “everything,” take singular verbs because they refer to an unknown or unspecified person or thing.
For example, “Everyone loves ice cream” (singular verb) vs. “Some of the people love ice cream” (plural verb).
4. Don`t Be Fooled by Interrupting Phrases
Sometimes, interrupting phrases, such as “as well as,” “together with,” or “in addition to,” can make it difficult to identify the subject.
In such cases, it is crucial to keep the subject and verb agreement intact, regardless of the phrases in between.
For example, “The cat, as well as the dog, loves to play” (singular verb) vs. “The cat and the dog love to play” (plural verb).
In conclusion, mastering subject-verb agreement takes practice and attention to detail. By identifying the subject, watching out for tricky singular and plural nouns, paying attention to indefinite pronouns, and not being fooled by interrupting phrases, you can ensure that your writing is grammatically correct and effective for SEO purposes.