Subject-verb agreement is a crucial component of proper grammar in the English language. It refers to the correct matching of the subject and verb in a sentence, in terms of number and person. For instance, the subject ‘he’ requires a singular verb like ‘is,’ while the subject ‘they’ requires a plural verb like ‘are.’
One of the most common errors in subject-verb agreement is related to the use of collective nouns. These are nouns that refer to a group of people, animals, or things, treated as a single entity. Examples of collective nouns include ‘team,’ ‘family,’ ‘committee,’ and ‘audience.’
Rule number 11 of subject-verb agreement states that a collective noun can take either a singular or plural verb, depending on whether the emphasis is on the group as a whole or on its individual members. In other words, the choice of verb should reflect the intended meaning of the sentence.
Consider the following examples:
1. The team is playing well this season. (singular verb)
2. The team are arguing among themselves. (plural verb)
In the first sentence, the team is seen as a single unit, so the singular verb ‘is’ is used. In the second sentence, the team members are viewed as individuals, so the plural verb ‘are’ is appropriate.
Similarly, the following sentences illustrate the use of a singular and plural verb with the collective noun ‘family’:
1. My family enjoys hiking together. (singular verb)
2. My family have differing opinions on politics. (plural verb)
In the first sentence, the focus is on the family as a whole, so the singular verb ‘enjoys’ is used. In the second sentence, the emphasis is on the individual family members and their opinions, so the plural verb ‘have’ is more suitable.
In conclusion, subject-verb agreement is an essential aspect of effective writing and communication. Understanding the correct use of collective nouns and their corresponding verbs is crucial to convey the intended meaning of a sentence. Remember to consider whether the emphasis is on the group as a whole or on its individual members when selecting the appropriate verb form. By following rule number 11, one can avoid making common mistakes in subject-verb agreement and present their ideas with clarity and accuracy.