Select Page

The use of proper subject-verb agreement is crucial in writing cohesive and grammatically correct sentences. It ensures clarity and coherence in communication and helps readers comprehend the intended message with ease. As a copy editor who is experienced in search engine optimization (SEO), I understand the significance of using correct grammar, including subject-verb agreement, in creating online content that ranks well on search engines. In this article, we`ll explore some examples of sentences and identify which ones have proper subject-verb agreement.

First, let`s define what subject-verb agreement means. It refers to the grammatical rule that a verb must agree with its subject in number (singular or plural) and person (first, second, or third). In other words, a singular subject takes a singular verb, while a plural subject takes a plural verb.

Here are some examples of sentences, and we`ll identify which ones have proper subject-verb agreement:

1. The cat chases the mouse.

In this sentence, the singular subject “cat” agrees with the singular verb “chases.” Therefore, the sentence has proper subject-verb agreement.

2. The students in the class is discussing the novel.

In this sentence, there is a subject-verb disagreement. The singular verb “is” does not agree with the plural subject “students.” The sentence should read as “The students in the class are discussing the novel.”

3. My friend and I am going to the beach.

In this sentence, there is also a subject-verb disagreement. The plural subject “my friend and I” requires a plural verb, but the singular verb “am” is used. The sentence should be revised to “My friend and I are going to the beach.”

4. The cars were parked in the garage.

In this sentence, the plural subject “cars” agrees with the plural verb “were parked.” Therefore, the sentence has proper subject-verb agreement.

5. Either the teacher or the students are responsible for the mess.

In this sentence, there is a singular subject-verb agreement. The verb “are” should be singular to agree with the singular subject “either.” The sentence should be revised to “Either the teacher or the students is responsible for the mess.”

In conclusion, subject-verb agreement is an essential aspect of writing correct and grammatically sound sentences. As copy editors who are experienced in SEO, we must ensure that the content we produce aligns with this grammatical rule to improve the readability and searchability of our writing. By identifying and correcting subject-verb disagreements, we can create high-quality content that effectively communicates our intended message to readers and ranks well on search engines.