Subject-verb agreement is one of the fundamental rules of English grammar, and it plays a crucial role in ensuring effective communication. When the subject and verb of a sentence don`t agree grammatically, the meaning of the sentence can be unclear, resulting in confusion or misinterpretation. In this article, we`ll take a closer look at subject-verb agreement of meaning.

What is subject-verb agreement?

Subject-verb agreement refers to the grammatical match between the subject of a sentence and its corresponding verb. In other words, the verb of a sentence should match the number (singular or plural) of its subject. For example:

– The dog barks. (singular subject and verb)

– The dogs bark. (plural subject and verb)

When the subject and verb don`t agree in number, it can create confusion and make the sentence difficult to understand. For instance:

– The group of students is happy. (singular subject and verb)

– The group of students are happy. (plural subject and verb)

In this example, the subject “group of students” is a collective noun, which can be either singular or plural depending on the context. However, in this case, the verb should agree with the singular form of the noun.

What is subject-verb agreement of meaning?

Subject-verb agreement of meaning refers to matching the subject and verb of a sentence not only in terms of their grammatical number but also in terms of their meaning. In other words, the verb should reflect the intended meaning of the subject, not just its grammatical number.

Consider the following example:

– The number of visitors to the museum has increased.

In this sentence, the subject “the number of visitors” is singular, so the verb “has” agrees with it grammatically. However, the meaning of the sentence implies that there are multiple visitors, not just one. In this case, we need to use a plural verb to match the intended meaning of the subject:

– The number of visitors to the museum have increased.

This sentence now matches the subject and verb in both grammatical number and meaning.

Why is subject-verb agreement of meaning important?

Ensuring subject-verb agreement of meaning is important because it helps to convey the intended message of the sentence clearly and accurately. When the subject and verb don`t match in meaning, it can create ambiguity or confusion. This can be especially problematic in business or academic writing, where precision and clarity are essential.

Moreover, the use of non-standard subject-verb agreement can affect the credibility and professionalism of the writer. Correct subject-verb agreement reflects a command of English grammar and demonstrates that the writer is knowledgeable and competent.

Conclusion

Subject-verb agreement is one of the fundamental rules of English grammar, and it plays a critical role in effective communication. Subject-verb agreement of meaning is an essential aspect of this rule that ensures that the verb reflects the intended meaning of the subject, not just its grammatical number. By following this rule, writers can convey their message clearly and accurately, reflecting professionalism and competence.