Subject-verb agreement is a fundamental rule of English grammar, referring to the proper matching of the subject and verb in a sentence. Unfortunately, subject-verb agreement mistakes are common, even among experienced writers and editors. These mistakes can negatively impact the clarity and credibility of your content, and may even harm your website`s SEO. In this article, we’ll discuss some of the most common mistakes on subject-verb agreement that you should be aware of.
Number agreement errors
One of the most common subject-verb agreement mistakes involves number agreement, where the number of the subject doesn`t match the number of the verb. For example, “The cat on the couch are sleeping” should be corrected to “The cat on the couch is sleeping.” In this example, the subject (cat) is singular, so the verb (is) must also be singular. Be sure to pay close attention to number agreement in all parts of your content, as even one mistake can be detrimental to your readers` understanding and your website’s search rankings.
Collective noun errors
A collective noun refers to a group of people or things that are considered one entity. Examples include “team,” “family,” and “audience.” One common mistake is to use a singular verb with a collective noun. For instance, “The team is playing well” is correct, whereas “The team are playing well” is not. Although the word “team” refers to multiple individuals, it is treated as a single entity, so a singular verb is appropriate. Keep this rule in mind when writing about groups or entities that are referred to as a single unit.
Indefinite pronoun errors
Indefinite pronouns, such as “everyone,” “anything,” and “somebody,” can cause confusion with subject-verb agreement. These pronouns are often treated as singular because they refer to one thing or person. For example, “Everyone is excited about the party” is correct, whereas “Everyone are excited about the party” is not. Similarly, “Anything is possible” is correct, whereas “Anything are possible” is not. Remember that indefinite pronouns are singular, and therefore require singular verbs.
Compound subject errors
Compound subjects are formed when two or more subjects are linked by “and.” The verb must agree with the number of the compound subject. For example, “Tom and Jerry are playing” is correct, whereas “Tom and Jerry is playing” is not. Remember to treat the subject as plural when dealing with compound subjects linked by “and.”
In conclusion, subject-verb agreement is a crucial aspect of proper English grammar that should not be overlooked. To avoid these common mistakes, take the time to carefully review your writing for number agreement errors, collective noun errors, indefinite pronoun errors, and compound subject errors. By doing so, you will improve the readability, clarity, and searchability of your content, ultimately leading to a better user experience for your readers.