Verbs are an essential component of any sentence. They provide the action and help to convey meaning to the reader. However, when it comes to verb agreement with singular subjects and plural objects, things can get a little tricky. In this article, we will discuss what verb agreement is, common errors, and how to avoid them.
What is Verb Agreement?
Verb agreement refers to the relationship between the subject and the verb in a sentence. The verb must agree with the subject in terms of number, person, and tense. In other words, if the subject is singular, the verb should be singular, and if the subject is plural, the verb should be plural.
Common Errors in Verb Agreement with Singular Subjects and Plural Objects
One common error that occurs with verb agreement is using a singular verb with a plural object. For example, «The group of students was eating their lunch.» In this sentence, «group» is a singular subject, while «students» is a plural object. However, the verb «was» is singular, which creates a disagreement. The sentence should be corrected to read, «The group of students were eating their lunch.»
Another common error is using a plural verb with a singular subject. For instance, «My mother and father is coming to visit me.» In this sentence, «mother and father» are two singular subjects connected by the conjunction «and.» However, the verb «is» is plural, which creates an error. The sentence should be corrected to read, «My mother and father are coming to visit me.»
How to Avoid Errors in Verb Agreement with Singular Subjects and Plural Objects
Here are some tips to help you avoid errors in verb agreement with singular subjects and plural objects:
1. Identify the subject and object in the sentence. Determine whether the subject is singular or plural.
2. If the subject is singular, use a singular verb. If it is plural, use a plural verb.
3. Be aware of connecting words like «and» and «or.» When the subject is connected by «and,» it is usually plural, and when connected by «or,» it is singular.
4. Be mindful of inverted sentences, where the subject comes after the verb. In these cases, it can be challenging to identify the correct verb agreement.
Conclusion
In summary, verb agreement is an essential component of grammar that helps convey meaning to your writing. It is crucial to ensure that your verb agrees with the subject in terms of number, person, and tense. By following the tips outlined in this article, you can easily avoid common errors in verb agreement with singular subjects and plural objects. Happy writing!