It is common for a student writing assignment to contain errors in subject/verb agreement, but what exactly does it mean to have subjects and verbs agree? Basically, it means that a singular subject needs a verb in the singular form, and a plural subject needs a verb in the plural form. Here are some basic examples of subject/verb agreement:
- Singular subject and Singular verb
- The doctor often gives his nurses vacations in the summer.
- Plural subject and Plural verb
- Management and staff meet twice a year to discuss goals for the hospital.
- Singular subject and Singular verb
- One of the greatest doctors is volunteering his time in Sudan.
- Plural subject and Plural verb
- There are many reasons for the latest increase in obesity.
This is a basic concept, but even high-level students make errors in subject/verb agreement from time to time. Here are some things to consider in order to help you avoid this type of error:
Compound Subjects
Two or more subjects connected with and are usually plural:
- The computers and the charting software are in desperate need of updating.
- Here are your passport and your visa application.
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