The Subject is the who/what performing the action in the sentence, and the Verb is the action in the sentence.
When writing a paper, it is helpful to keep in mind that verbs must always agree with the subject in both number (singular or plural) and person (first, second, or third).Generally, if the subject ends with an “s,” then the verb doesn't have an “s;” if the subject does not end with an “s,” then the verb will end in an “s.” Give it a try. When writing a paper, it is helpful to keep in mind that verbs must always agree with the subject in both number (singular or plural) and person (first, second, or third). This type of agreement helps to ensure that your paper will be accurate, clear, and stylistically correct.Subject-verb agreement may seem like a minor grammar rule, but it plays a vital role in effective communication. This rule ensures that the subject and verb in a sentence agree in number (singular or plural). Failure to follow this rule can result in confusing and unclear writing that can hinder effective communication. In this article, we will explore why subject-verb agreement is essential in communication.
Clarity
Subject-verb agreement is crucial in ensuring that sentences are clear and understandable. When the subject and verb do not agree in number, it can lead to confusion and misunderstandings. For instance, the sentence “The group of friends is going to the movies” sounds correct, but “The group of friends are going to the movies” is incorrect because “group” is singular, and “are” is plural. Such a mistake can lead to confusion about whether one or multiple groups are going to the movies.
Effectiveness
Effective communication requires proper subject-verb agreement. Communication is only effective when the receiver of a message understands what the sender intends to convey. Incorrect subject-verb agreement can make the message incomprehensible, and the intended meaning can get lost. When writing or speaking, proper subject-verb agreement ensures that the message is clear and easy to understand, making communication effective.
Professionalism
Proper grammar is essential in demonstrating professionalism in writing. It shows that the writer has taken time to proofread the document and pays attention to details. Subject-verb agreement errors can make a document look unprofessional, which can impact the credibility of the writer. In a professional setting, clear and concise communication is necessary for building trust with clients or colleagues.
SEO
Subject-verb agreement also plays a role in search engine optimization (SEO). SEO involves optimizing content to rank higher in search engine results. Search engines are constantly updating their algorithms to ensure that they provide the most relevant content to searchers. Poor grammar can negatively impact the ranking of a website. Proper subject-verb agreement indicates to search engines that the content is credible and valuable to readers, leading to improved SEO ranki
15. Compound Sentence
• A compound sentence has more than one
part that can stand alone (independent
clauses).
• Independent clauses are connected by
coordinating conjunctions, conjunctive
adverbs or a semi-colon.
17. Compound Sentence
We went to San Juan,
and most of us danced all night .
Subject Verb
Coordinating
Conjunction
Predicate
Verb
Prepositional phrase
Modifying phrase
Subject
26. Conjunctive Adverbs “float”
• Conjunctive adverbs are sometimes
called “floating” adverbs because they
can be positioned at the beginning, in
the middle, or at the end of a clause.
27. CONJUNCTIVE ADVERB:
AT THE BEGINNING, IN THE MIDDLE,AT THE END
Bob is handsome; moreover, he is rich.
Bob is handsome; he is, moreover, rich.
Bob is handsome; he is rich, moreover.
28. Semicolons
• “If the relation between the ideas
expressed in the main clauses is very
close and obvious without a
conjunction, you can separate the
clauses with a semicolon” (Little, Brown
Handbook, 9th Edition, p. 361).
31. Complex Sentence
• A complex sentence has at least two
parts: one that can stand alone and
another one that cannot
• The part that cannot stand alone is linked
to the rest of the sentence by a
subordinating conjunction
33. Complex Sentence
Since we wanted to have fun,
we went to San Juan yesterday.
Predicate
Subject
Subordinating
Conjunction
Part that cannot stand alone
40. • This type of sentence has more than one
part that can stand alone, and at least one
that cannot.
• Conjunctions link the different parts of this
sentence.
Compound-Complex Sentence
42. Since we wanted to have fun,
my boyfriend and I went to San Juan,
and we danced all night.
Subject Predicate
Subordinating
Conjunction
Coordinating
Conjunction
Part that cannot stand alone
Compound-Complex Sentence
44. Exercises
Say if the following sentences are:
Simple, compound, complex or
compound-complex.
45. 1. The bell rang.
2. Bridget ran the first part of the race, and Tara
biked the second part.
3. He stands at the bottom of the cliff while the
climber moves up the rock.
4. The skier turned and jumped.
5. Naoki passed the test because he studied
hard and understood the material.
47. 1. Because Kayla has so much climbing
experience , we asked her to lead our group.
2. You and I need piano lessons.
3. I planned to go to the hockey game, but I
couldn’t get tickets.
4. Dorothy likes white water rafting, but she
also enjoys kayaking.
5. There are many problems to solve before this
program can be used, but engineers believe
that they will be able to solve them soon.
49. References
Writing Academic English, Second Edition, by Alice
Oshima and Ann Hogue. White Plains: Addison, Wesley,
Longman, 1999.
The Little, Brown Handbook, by H. Ramsey Fowler and
Jane E. Aaron, Pearson, 2004.
