What is “subject/verb agreement”?: Difference between revisions

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Making sure that the subject and verb agree in a sentence is important. When they agree correctly they will make the essay or report easier to read and understand. There are a few techniques that will need to be taken to ensure the subject and verb are in agreement.The verb in every independent or dependent clause must agree with its subject in person or number <ref>Butler, Eugenia, et al., ''Correct Writing''. 6th Ed. Lexington: D.C. Hath and Company, 1995, p. 143.[http://www.amazon.com/Correct-Writing-Eugenia-Butler/dp/0669340731]</ref>. 
Making sure that the subject and verb agree in a sentence is important. When they agree correctly they will make the essay or report easier to read and understand. There are a few techniques that will need to be taken to ensure the subject and verb are in agreement.The verb in every independent or dependent clause must agree with its subject in person or number.


'''The two numbers are:'''
'''The two numbers are:'''
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Eugenia Butler states in her book ''Correct Writing'', "Compound subjects joined by "and" normally require a plural verb" <ref>Butler, Eugenia, et al., ''Correct Writing''. 6th Ed. Lexington: D.C. Hath and Company, 1995, p.144. [http://www.amazon.com/Correct-Writing-Eugenia-Butler/dp/0669340731]</ref>. The only instance when this is not applicable and the subjects are considered singular is when the subjects refer to the same individual or object.
Eugenia Butler states in her book ''Correct Writing'', "Compound subjects joined by "and" normally require a plural verb" <ref>Butler, Eugenia, et al., ''Correct Writing''. 6th Ed. Lexington: D.C. Hath and Company, 1995, p.143-145. [http://www.amazon.com/Correct-Writing-Eugenia-Butler/dp/0669340731]</ref>. The only instance when this is not applicable and the subjects are considered singular is when the subjects refer to the same individual or object.


'''Remember:''' "Nouns joined by '''"and"''' are thought of as a unit or actually refer to the same person or thing, the verb is normally singular" <ref>Butler, Eugenia, et al., ''Correct Writing''. 6th Ed. Lexington: D.C. Hath and Company, 1995, p.145. [http://www.amazon.com/Correct-Writing-Eugenia-Butler/dp/0669340731]</ref>.
'''Remember:''' "Nouns joined by '''"and"''' are thought of as a unit or actually refer to the same person or thing, the verb is normally singular".


*'''Example:''' My friend Jenn and colleague Sarah are going on vacation.  
*'''Example:''' My friend Jenn and colleague Sarah are going on vacation.  
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Verbs sometimes come before the subject. This change in order can lead to error in agreement <ref>Butler, Eugenia, et al., ''Correct Writing''. 6th Ed. Lexington: D.C. Hath and Company, 1995, p.144. [http://www.amazon.com/Correct-Writing-Eugenia-Butler/dp/0669340731]</ref>. It is sometimes difficult to remember when the verb comes before the subject.
Verbs sometimes come before the subject. This change in order can lead to error in agreement. It is sometimes difficult to remember when the verb comes before the subject.
Below you will find some guidelines and examples to help you.
Below you will find some guidelines and examples to help you.


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*'''Example:''' The evidence that they submitted to the judge was convincing.
'''Example:''' The evidence that they submitted to the judge was convincing.
The subject is: '''evidence'''
*The subject is: '''evidence'''


The verb is: '''was'''
*The verb is: '''was'''


==Verb Agreement with Indefinite Pronouns==
==Verb Agreement with Indefinite Pronouns==
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*'''Example sentences:'''
'''Example sentences:'''


Somebody is at the door. ('''"Somebody"''' is singular; therefore, the linking verb is '''"is"''' instead of '''"are."''')
*Somebody is at the door. ('''"Somebody"''' is singular; therefore, the linking verb is '''"is"''' instead of '''"are."''')


Both do well at taking tests. ('''"Both"''' is plural (referring to more than one); therefore the linking verb is '''"do"''' instead of '''"does."''')
*Both do well at taking tests. ('''"Both"''' is plural (referring to more than one); therefore the linking verb is '''"do"''' instead of '''"does."''')


==External Links==
==External Links==
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*[http://college.cengage.com/english/raimes/digitalkeys/keyshtml/subject3.htm Subject Verb Agreement: Intervening Words].
*[http://college.cengage.com/english/raimes/digitalkeys/keyshtml/subject3.htm Subject Verb Agreement: Intervening Words].
*[https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/599/01/ Purdue University Online Writing Lab].
*[https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/599/01/ Purdue University Online Writing Lab].
*[http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/sv_agr.htm Guide to Grammar and Writing: Subject Verb Agreement].


==References==
==References==
<references/>
<references/>
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