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

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>. 

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.

'''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>.

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.

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

The subject is: '''evidence'''

The verb is: '''was'''

*'''Example sentences:'''

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."''')