Subject-verb agreement is a crucial aspect of writing and communication that every writer must master. At Capital Community College, we understand the importance of proper subject-verb agreement, and we strive to equip our students with the necessary skills to achieve success in their writing and communication goals. In this article, we will highlight the key elements of subject-verb agreement and how they apply to writing at Capital Community College.
Subject-verb agreement refers to the relationship between the subject and the verb in a sentence. The subject is the noun or pronoun that the sentence is about, while the verb is the action or state of being that the subject is performing. When these two elements are not in agreement, it can cause confusion and ambiguity in the writer`s message.
One of the most basic rules of subject-verb agreement is that a singular subject should have a singular verb, while a plural subject should have a plural verb. For example, “The student studies” is correct, while “The student study” is incorrect. Similarly, “The students study” is correct, while “The students studies” is incorrect.
Another factor to consider in subject-verb agreement is the use of compound subjects. When two or more singular subjects are connected by conjunctions such as “and” or “or,” they require a plural verb. For example, “The dog and the cat play” is correct, while “The dog and the cat plays” is incorrect. Additionally, when two or more singular subjects are connected by “nor,” the verb must agree with the subject closest to it. For example, “Neither the dog nor the cat plays” is correct.
At Capital Community College, we emphasize the importance of subject-verb agreement in all types of writing, including academic writing, business writing, and creative writing. Proper subject-verb agreement not only ensures clarity and accuracy in communication but also demonstrates a writer`s professionalism and attention to detail.
In conclusion, subject-verb agreement is a vital component of effective writing and communication. At Capital Community College, we are committed to helping our students master this essential skill to succeed in their academic and professional pursuits. By applying the rules of subject-verb agreement, our students can produce clear, concise, and grammatically correct writing that communicates their ideas with precision and clarity.