When it comes to writing, effective communication is key. And when it comes to effective writing, subject-verb agreement is an important aspect that should not be overlooked. In particular, when the conjunction “and” is used to connect two subjects in a sentence, it can create confusion for the writer if they do not understand how to properly match the subject and verb.
Why Is Subject-Verb Agreement Important?
Subject-verb agreement refers to the grammatical rule that states the subject of a sentence must agree with its verb in terms of number. This means that if the subject is singular, the verb must be singular, and if the subject is plural, the verb must be plural. This rule is one of the most important aspects of grammar because it ensures consistency and clarity in writing. When subject-verb agreement is incorrect, it can cause confusion, ambiguity, and ultimately harm the credibility of the writer.
Using “And” in Subject-Verb Agreement
The conjunction “and” is often used to connect two subjects in a sentence. When this happens, the verb that follows must agree with both subjects. If the subjects are both singular, the verb should be singular. If the subjects are both plural, the verb should be plural. On the other hand, if one subject is singular and the other is plural, the verb should take on the form that corresponds with the closest subject.
Here are some examples of sentences that demonstrate correct subject-verb agreement when using “and”:
– The cat and dog are sleeping.
– John and Mary are going to the store.
– The book and pen are on the table.
In each of these sentences, the verb matches the subjects correctly according to whether they are singular or plural.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
One of the most common mistakes people make when using “and” in subject-verb agreement is forgetting to match the verb with both subjects. For example:
– The cat and dog is sleeping. (Incorrect – should be “are sleeping”)
– John and Mary is going to the store. (Incorrect – should be “are going”)
– The book and pen is on the table. (Incorrect – should be “are on”)
In these instances, the verb only matches one subject and not both, violating the rule of subject-verb agreement.
Another common mistake is mixing up the order of the subjects, which can lead to confusion about which verb form to use. For example:
– The pen and book are on the table. (Correct)
– The book and pen is on the table. (Incorrect)
In this case, the word “book” is the subject closest to the verb, so the verb should be plural to match.
Conclusion
Subject-verb agreement is essential in writing clear, concise sentences. When “and” is used to connect two subjects, it is important to remember that the verb must agree with both. By understanding this rule and avoiding common mistakes, writers can enhance their communication skills and produce more effective writing.
