Which Of The Following Sentences Uses Incorrect Subject/verb Agreement

Which of the Following Sentences Uses Incorrect Subject-Verb Agreement? A Deep Dive into Grammatical Precision

Subject-verb agreement, a cornerstone of grammatical correctness, dictates that a sentence's verb must agree in number (singular or plural) with its subject. This seemingly simple rule often trips up even seasoned writers, leading to awkward and inaccurate sentences. This article will delve into the complexities of subject-verb agreement, explore common pitfalls, and analyze several examples to pinpoint the sentences with incorrect subject-verb agreement. We'll also discuss strategies for improving your grammar and ensuring your writing is grammatically sound.

Let's begin by establishing a fundamental understanding of subject-verb agreement. The basic principle is straightforward: singular subjects take singular verbs, and plural subjects take plural verbs. However, the nuances involved can be surprisingly intricate.

Understanding the Basics: Singular vs. Plural

Before we tackle complex examples, let's solidify our grasp of the fundamentals. Consider these examples:

• Correct: The dog barks loudly. (Singular subject, singular verb)
• Correct: The dogs bark loudly. (Plural subject, plural verb)

The simplicity of these examples belies the complexities that arise when dealing with more intricate sentence structures.

Common Pitfalls and Challenges in Subject-Verb Agreement

Many factors can complicate subject-verb agreement. Let's examine some of the most common stumbling blocks:

• Intervening Phrases: Phrases placed between the subject and the verb can obscure the true subject. These phrases often begin with prepositions (e.g., of, with, in, along with) or participial phrases. The verb must agree with the subject, not the words within the intervening phrase.

  • Incorrect: The box of chocolates are delicious. (The subject is box, which is singular.)

  • Correct: The box of chocolates is delicious.

  • Incorrect: The professor, along with his students, are working on the project. (The subject is professor, which is singular.)

  • Correct: The professor, along with his students, is working on the project.

• Compound Subjects: When two or more subjects are joined by and, they generally take a plural verb. However, exceptions exist.

  • Correct: The cat and the dog play together.
  • Correct: Peanut butter and jelly is my favorite sandwich. (When compound subjects refer to a single entity, a singular verb is used)

• Subjects Joined by or or nor: When subjects are joined by or or nor, the verb agrees with the subject closest to it.

  • Correct: Neither the students nor the teacher is responsible.
  • Correct: Either the teacher or the students are responsible.

• Collective Nouns: Collective nouns (e.g., team, family, group) can be singular or plural depending on context. If the group acts as a unit, use a singular verb. If the members of the group act individually, use a plural verb.

  • Correct: The team is playing well. (Team acting as a unit)
  • Correct: The team are arguing amongst themselves. (Members of the team acting individually)

• Indefinite Pronouns: Indefinite pronouns (e.g., everyone, someone, anyone, nobody, each, either, neither) are always singular and take singular verbs.

  • Correct: Everyone is invited.
  • Correct: Neither of the options is appealing.

• Subjects That Appear Plural But Are Singular: Some words that end in "-s" are actually singular (e.g., measles, news, politics). These words always take singular verbs.

  • Correct: The news is good.
  • Correct: Measles is a contagious disease.

Analyzing Sentences for Incorrect Subject-Verb Agreement

Now, let's analyze some sentences to identify instances of incorrect subject-verb agreement. To make this practical, let's assume we have the following sentences, and our task is to determine which ones are grammatically flawed:

1. The flock of birds soar gracefully above the trees.
2. Neither rain nor wind deter him from his daily walk.
3. My family is planning a trip to the beach this summer.
4. Each of the students have completed their assignments.
5. The committee are meeting to discuss the budget.
6. Everyone in the auditorium were captivated by the performance.
7. The data suggests a significant trend.
8. The number of applicants are surprisingly high this year.
9. Politics often divide people.
10. The box of crayons are scattered across the floor.

Analysis:

1. Incorrect: The correct sentence should be: "The flock of birds soars gracefully above the trees." (Flock is a singular collective noun.)

2. Correct: The verb "deter" correctly agrees with the singular subject closest to it ("wind").

3. Correct: The verb "is" correctly agrees with the singular collective noun "family."

4. Incorrect: The correct sentence should be: "Each of the students has completed their assignments." (Each is a singular indefinite pronoun.)

5. Incorrect: The correct sentence should be: "The committee is meeting to discuss the budget." (Committee is a singular collective noun acting as a unit.)

6. Incorrect: The correct sentence should be: "Everyone in the auditorium was captivated by the performance." (Everyone is a singular indefinite pronoun.)

7. Correct: The verb "suggests" correctly agrees with the singular subject "data."

8. Incorrect: The correct sentence should be: "The number of applicants is surprisingly high this year." The subject is "number," which is singular.

9. Correct: The verb "divide" correctly agrees with the singular subject "politics".

10. Incorrect: The correct sentence should be: "The box of crayons is scattered across the floor." The subject is "box," which is singular.

Strategies for Improving Subject-Verb Agreement

Mastering subject-verb agreement requires consistent practice and attention to detail. Here are some helpful strategies:

• Identify the Subject: Carefully pinpoint the subject of the sentence. Ignore intervening phrases.
• Determine the Number: Decide if the subject is singular or plural.
• Choose the Correct Verb: Select the verb form that agrees with the number of the subject.
• Read Aloud: Reading your writing aloud can help you identify awkward phrasing and potential subject-verb agreement errors.
• Use Online Grammar Checkers: While not a replacement for understanding the rules, online tools can help identify potential errors. However, always double-check the suggestions provided.
• Practice, Practice, Practice: The more you write and edit, the better you'll become at identifying and correcting subject-verb agreement errors.

Conclusion: Precision in Language Matters

Subject-verb agreement is a crucial aspect of grammatical precision. While seemingly simple, the complexities involved necessitate careful attention to detail. By understanding the common pitfalls and employing the strategies outlined above, you can significantly improve the accuracy and clarity of your writing. Remember that precise language builds credibility and enhances the overall impact of your communication. Mastering subject-verb agreement is a significant step toward achieving grammatical excellence and conveying your message effectively. Continue to practice, refine your skills, and strive for grammatical accuracy in all your writing endeavors.