Subject-Verb Agreement Mistakes Examples

Subject-verb agreement is one of the most fundamental rules of grammar, yet it is often overlooked, leading to embarrassing mistakes in writing. This agreement refers to the fact that a singular subject should have a singular verb and a plural subject should have a plural verb. In other words, the verb must agree with the subject in number. Let`s take a look at some common subject-verb agreement mistakes examples.

Singular subject with a plural verb:

One of the biggest mistakes people make is using a plural verb with a singular subject. For example: “The group of people are happy.” In this sentence, “group” is a singular subject, but “are” is a plural verb. It should be “is happy” instead.

Plural subject with a singular verb:

Conversely, another common mistake is using a singular verb with a plural subject. For example: “The oranges on the table is ripe.” In this sentence, “oranges” is a plural subject, but “is” is a singular verb. It should be “are ripe” instead.

Collective noun:

A collective noun is a singular noun that represents a group of people, animals, or things. Examples include “team,” “family,” and “class.” When using a collective noun, it`s important to remember that it can be either singular or plural, depending on the context. For example: “The family is going on vacation” (singular) vs. “The family are arguing about where to go” (plural).

Compound subject:

A compound subject refers to two or more subjects that are joined by “and.” When using a compound subject, the verb should be plural. For example: “The cat and the dog are playing.” If the subjects are joined by “or” or “nor,” the verb should agree with the subject closest to the verb. For example: “Neither the cat nor the dog is hungry.”

Indefinite Pronouns:

Indefinite pronouns, such as “everyone,” “someone,” and “anyone,” are singular and require a singular verb. For example: “Everyone is invited to the party.”

In conclusion, subject-verb agreement mistakes can easily creep into your writing if you`re not careful. To avoid these mistakes, always remember to check that your verb agrees with your subject in number. With some practice, you can master this fundamental grammar rule and write with confidence.