Subject Verb Agreement Video Lesson
Subject-Verb Agreement Video Lesson: Mastering the Basics
One of the most important aspects of writing is ensuring that your subject and verbs agree in number. This means that if the subject is singular, the verb should also be singular, and if the subject is plural, the verb should also be plural. This may seem like a simple concept, but it is one that is often overlooked, resulting in grammatical errors that can undermine the clarity and professionalism of your writing.
In this subject-verb agreement video lesson, we’ll take a look at the basics of subject-verb agreement and provide some tips to help you master this fundamental skill.
Firstly, let’s examine the basics of subject-verb agreement. In order to achieve agreement, it is essential to identify the subject of the sentence. The subject is typically the noun or pronoun that is doing the action in the sentence. For example, in the sentence “The dog barks loudly,” the subject is “dog”. Once you have identified the subject, the verb must agree in number. In this case, the verb “barks” agrees with the singular subject “dog”.
The issue of subject-verb disagreement can become more complex when dealing with compound subjects and clauses. In cases where there are multiple subjects, the verb should agree with the subject closest to it. For instance, in the sentence “Tom and Jerry are playing soccer,” the verb “are” agrees with the plural subject “Jerry and Tom”. Similarly, in sentences with clauses, the verb should agree with the subject of the independent clause. For example, in the sentence “The cat, who is very agile, jumps over the fence,” the verb “jumps” agrees with the singular subject “cat”, and not the word “who”.
Now that you understand the basics of subject-verb agreement, it’s time to take a look at some tips to help you master this important skill. Firstly, always identify the subject of the sentence before selecting the verb. Take the time to read the sentence carefully and identify what or who is doing the action.
Secondly, watch out for compound subjects and clauses and make sure the verb agrees with the appropriate subject. Avoid the temptation to simply match the verb with the closest noun, as this can lead to errors.
Finally, always proofread your work to ensure that your subject and verb are in agreement. Remember, grammatical errors can undermine your credibility as a writer and affect the overall quality of your work.
In conclusion, subject-verb agreement is a fundamental skill that is critical for effective writing. By understanding the basics and following some simple tips, you can master this skill and produce clear and error-free writing that is sure to impress. So take the time to practice and perfect your subject-verb agreement skills, and watch your writing improve with every sentence!
