When it comes to writing, one of the most important aspects of grammar that you need to master is the agreement of subjects and verbs. If there is a mismatch between the subject and verb in a sentence, it can result in confusion and make your writing difficult to read. In this article, we`ll look at the 2-12 agreement of subjects and verbs and provide you with some answers to common questions.
What is the 2-12 agreement of subjects and verbs?
The 2-12 agreement refers to the rule that states that a singular subject needs a singular verb, and a plural subject needs a plural verb. In other words, the number of the subject determines the number of the verb. For example:
– The dog barks. (singular subject and verb)
– The dogs bark. (plural subject and verb)
This rule applies to all verbs, including helping verbs and linking verbs.
What are some common mistakes when it comes to subject-verb agreement?
One of the most common mistakes people make is when the subject and verb are separated by a phrase or clause. This often leads to confusion, and people end up choosing the wrong verb. For example:
– The book, along with the pen and pencil, was left on the table.
– The books, along with the pens and pencils, were left on the table.
In the first sentence, the phrase “along with the pen and pencil” is nonessential and does not affect the subject-verb agreement. The subject is “book,” which is singular, and the verb “was” is also singular. In the second sentence, the subject is “books,” which is plural, and the verb “were” is also plural.
Another common mistake is when the subject is a collective noun. A collective noun is a noun that refers to a group of individuals, such as “team,” “family,” or “audience.” When using a collective noun as the subject, you need to decide whether you are referring to the group as a whole or to the individuals within the group. For example:
– The team is playing well. (referring to the team as a whole)
– The team are arguing among themselves. (referring to the individuals within the team)
What are some tips for mastering subject-verb agreement?
– Identify the subject and verb in each sentence.
– Determine whether the subject is singular or plural.
– Choose the appropriate verb to match the number of the subject.
– Be aware of collective nouns and how they function as subjects.
– Check your work carefully to ensure that you have used the correct subject-verb agreement.
In conclusion, the agreement of subjects and verbs is an important aspect of grammar that should never be overlooked. By mastering the 2-12 agreement, you can ensure that your writing is clear, concise, and easy to read. Remember to always check your work and be aware of common mistakes so that you can avoid them in the future.